Beckwood Builds Compression Molding Press for U.S. Army

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC; Natick, MA) is the national and international leader in Warfighter science and technology development. Made from a diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, technologists, and equipment designers, NSRDEC is the expert in soldier research and development systems and is redefining combat by developing new and innovative ways to protect soldiers through advanced research that supports ever-evolving threats. They awarded a contract to Beckwood Press Company (St. Louis, MO) to produce a custom 1,000 ton hydraulic press that will be used to consolidate ballistic composites in a compression molding application.

With a 36 in x 36 in forming area, programmable Active Leveling Control (ALC) and quick die change features, this new press will be flexible enough to support NSRDEC’s research and development efforts. The proprietary multi-axis ALC system uses a high-speed motion controller, linear transducers, and proportional valves to synchronize the press actuators and maintain bed-to-ram parallelism despite off-center loading. To provide additional forming flexibility, two sets of platens will be manufactured in addition to the main bed and ram bolsters. The first will offer steam-heating capability, and the second will offer electrical-heating capability with temperatures up to 600 deg F.

When the heated platens are not in use, the intuitive controls system will regulate the temperature settings within NSRDEC’s existing steam-heated and electrically-heated tooling. Four water modulation valves and four air purge valves will also be provided for rapid cooling. The press structure will be designed to the Infinite Life classification using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. The computer-aided simulation, which mirrors real-world manufacturing stresses, ensures the press is robust enough to handle the most taxing applications. Additionally, a PressLink™ remote support module offers fast, complimentary troubleshooting and facilitates program updates without the need for an on-site service visit.

“Our hydraulic presses have been instrumental in developing new national security and defense technologies for over a decade,” said Beckwood president Jeffrey Debus. “We are extremely proud to build this press for the U.S. Army and excited to share our process knowledge with their expert R&D team.”

www.beckwoodpress.com