With its order for an additional Flexform fluid cell press from Quintus Technologies, Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO) is expanding its equipment inventory to mirror the growing demand for low-volume, high-complexity sheet metal forming.

PIMCO, a Piper Aircraft, Inc., subsidiary, provides turnkey world-class manufacturing solutions, supported by precision engineering services that accelerate the production path from concept to scale. The company selected the Quintus model QFC 1.2x4- 1000 press to add to its cutting-edge equipment line-up, which already includes two Quintus fluid cell presses installed earlier in the decade, along with laser cutters, 3D- printers, and CNC milling machines.

“Quintus has proven to be a top-tier machine manufacturer,” says John Bowman, PIMCO Sr. Manager, Integration. “Piper Aircraft and PIMCO anticipate that the aerospace, defense, and consumer and architectural products markets will grow over the coming years. Our investment in this new press doubles our capability to support the market, enabling us to form much larger parts. This is just one more step to achieving our vision of becoming the leader in sheet metal manufacturing.”

Flexform, Quintus’s advanced yet time-tested fluid cell technology, has long offered multiple economic and productivity advantages. The press uses a single rigid tool half to form sheet metal parts with great accuracy and repeatability, significantly reducing tool costs and accelerating parts production. The high forming pressure ensures close-tolerance parts direct from the press, with little or no secondary hand work required, making it especially suitable for intricately shaped components.

“The Quintus machines have almost completely eliminated hand correction at our facility,” says Kevan Chisholm, PIMCO Business Development Manager.

The QFC model 1.2x4-1000 generates a press force of 73,000 tonnes across the entire forming area of 47.2 inches x 157.5 inches (1200 mm x 4000 mm), a technical challenge handled by the well-proven Quintus wire-winding pre-stress technology. The press includes user-friendly features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control, and a high degree of self-diagnostics. The press is also equipped with state-of-the-art high pressure hydraulics and a semi-automatic service system for quick and easy service of the unique Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm.

PIMCO will continue its participation in the industry’s best-in-class Quintus Care Program, a customized service solution that ensures operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long-term partnership. The program provides for forming process and tool design support, access to the company’s Application Centers, high availability of spare and wear parts, and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. It also includes annual press inspections, training, and recertification of PIMCO personnel to maintain and elevate their skills.

"Quintus Flexform machines and Quintus Care provide the tools I need to deliver accurate and timely project outcomes," says Mr. Chisholm.

“Quintus is the recognized global leader in fluid cell forming,” Mr. Bowman comments. “Their machines are robust and the customer service is world class. We will subscribe to Quintus Care for as long as it is offered.”

“It is deeply gratifying to see our long and productive business relationship with Piper Aircraft continue with PIMCO,” says Ed Williams, General Manager – Americas, Quintus Technologies. “This dynamic young company brings the strength of the Piper legacy to a broad and diverse range of industries, and we are pleased that Quintus equipment will play a significant role in this new venture.”

The press will be delivered to PIMCO in Fourth Quarter 2025.