Beckwood and KOMT deliver automated press to Spirit AeroSystems

St. Louis-based Beckwood Press Co., a manufacturer of custom hydraulic presses, and machinery distributor Kansas Oklahoma Machine Tools (KOMT) have delivered the first press with automated die change to Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita, Kan., for use in Spirit’s Joule Form™ manufacturing process.

The proprietary process shapes metal parts at elevated temperatures in the fabrication of aerospace components. Using the automated press system, Spirit will be able to form lightweight titanium parts by directing energy only where it is needed, ultimately decreasing machined-part costs, says the company.