UK-based manufacturer Rhodes Interform has won a contract to carry out a major refurbishment on a high-temperature Superplastic Forming Press (SPF) in the aerospace industry.
Superplastic Forming Press. Photo: Group Rhodes
The Superplastic Forming Press. Photo: Group Rhodes
The £1 million (€1.18 million) contract will involve the major upgrade of a 3,000 tonne Chester Superplastic Forming press at a plant in Lancashire, one of a pair manufactured by Rhodes. The press is used to form major titanium aerofoil components and is designed to operate continuously at 1,000°C.
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The project forms part of a continuous obsolescence programme at the plant and involves upgrades to control software, hydraulic systems, gas management system, heating controls and hard wiring replacement.
Rhodes Interform’s Technical Director Peter Anderton said: “We are delighted with this latest contract win, which is testament to the expertise of our team in technical repair, maintenance and upgrade of mechanical and hydraulic presses. We have seen a major upsurge in the last few months in contracts with the aerospace industry and we are excited about what this means for our business.”
Rhodes Interform’s machine refurbishments are cost-effective, extend equipment life and increase productivity. Also, the entire process is covered from arranging machine transportation, to retrofitting new components and recommissioning on site.
In addition, Rhodes Interform has recently strengthened its other line of business by entering into a new working partnership with the German manufacturer Dr Hochstrate Maschinenbau.
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The partnership will involve Rhodes Interform acting as distributor for Dr Hochstrate Maschinenbau in the UK and Ireland for 160 of its Hydraulic Folding Machines and Guillotines.
Steve Jackson, Technical Sales Manager for Rhodes Interform, said: “The agreement will enable us to extend our range and develop new business opportunities within the sheet metal processing industries. These machines are renowned for being easy to operate, extremely versatile, as well as efficient and reliable and we are looking forward to demonstrating their benefits to companies across the UK and Ireland.”
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