Rhodes Interform, a leading UK manufacturer of metalforming machinery, has secured a significant contract to design and manufacture three bespoke hydraulic presses for the aerospace industry. These presses will be integral in producing light aero structures, showcasing the company’s technical expertise and ability to meet stringent industry demands.
The contract encompasses the production of two 180-tonne presses and one 500-tonne press. These machines, all four-column, hot platen presses, are designed to bond multi-layered composite sheets into single composite components. They operate with electrically heated platens at temperatures up to 220°C. Equipped with PLC controls, the presses feature integrated structure cooling, fume extraction, and precise control over speed, tonnage, and temperature.
Engineers at Rhodes Interform, based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, managed the entire project lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, and commissioning. The process involved rigorous factory testing of the presses, followed by re-assembly and final testing at the customer’s site. Mark Ridgway OBE, CEO of Group Rhodes, remarked on the prestigious nature of the contract, highlighting the collaboration between the company’s design, technical, and production teams and the client to meet specific requirements.
Rhodes Interform is a division of Group Rhodes, a company with a 200-year history and extensive experience in metalforming and composite forming. The business has been delivering bespoke turnkey solutions to the aerospace sector for decades. Additionally, Group Rhodes holds patents in Europe and China for its Superplastic Forming (SPF) and Diffusion Bonding (DB) technology, which is pivotal in producing large, complex parts for aerospace and automotive applications.
Beyond manufacturing advanced presses, Rhodes Interform also reconditions and upgrades existing machines, offering cost-effective solutions compared to new purchases. The company provides full PLC or CNC control system upgrades, tailored to the unique requirements of each customer. Rhodes Interform’s machinery is supported globally by a comprehensive aftermarket spares and service team.
For more information about Rhodes Interform, visit the company website.
