Trestad Laser Invests in High Pressure Fluid Cell Press

Trestad Laser AB (Trollhättan, Sweden) is a subcontractor that supplies sheet metal components to GKN Aerospace (Redditch, England) and Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery (Lincoln, England), among others. They will expand capacity with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art High Pressure Fluid Cell Press from Quintus Technologies AB (Västerås, Sweden). This investment is driven by their growth strategy, a high priority for the second generation of the Andersson family that owns and manages the company.

Along with offering advanced laser cutting, welding, machining, and milling, the addition of the new press takes Trestad Laser metal forming capabilities to the next level, enabling the production of sheet metal components with complex geometries in materials that are challenging to form. The Quintus technology is particularly suitable for small series production. “That is why we have chosen to invest in this modern high pressure equipment,” explains Trestad Laser founder Jan Andersson, who, together with brothers Patrick, Peter, and Magnus, oversees the company. “Our customers often demand complex and unique components made of materials that are hard to form, in relatively short series and with high demand for short delivery times.” He believes the Quintus technology is well suited to meet those requirements.

“The decision to invest in a Quintus press really takes us back to our roots,” notes Andersson, who, while retired, remains active on the board. “Several years ago, I took over the Quintus press operations from Volvo Flygmotor (now GKN Aerospace) and continued the business within Trestad Svets (now Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery). We started out with welding and shaping, and the business has been focused on laser for years, but our assessment is that demand for shaped details will increase. This investment also allows us to certify the company according to AS9100, the international standard which the aviation industry requires from its subcontractors. Our assessment is that the certification will have several positive side effects in other areas of our business.”

The QFM 1.1-800 Quintus fluid cell press applies a forming pressure of 800 bar, corresponding to 8,000 tons, distributed over a forming area of 1,100 mm (43 in). The press will be put into operation at the Trestad plant in Trollhättan during early summer 2018. The unique press process requires only one rigid tool half, while the other tool half is replaced by a flexible rubber diaphragm under uniform hydrostatic pressure. This design approach generates significant tool cost savings and shortens the time needed for tool production.

“Their order is important to us in several respects,” added Jan Söderström, the chief executive officer of Quintus Technologies. “Trestad’s strong connection to turbine production for stationary gas turbines, as well as for jet engines, gives us an influential technology reference at home. In addition to the equipment, this delivery also includes a long-term cooperation agreement where both parties can benefit from each other. We contribute with our many years of experience in formation and tooling, as well as a robust global network within the aviation industry. They are recognized as an effective and results-oriented company that knows how to proceed from an idea into a production solution that fits the market. For us, they are an ideal reference.”

www.trestadlaser.se, quintustechnologies.com