Innovations in Fluid Cell Tooling

Since the 1960s, aerospace manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, TAI, Embraer and others, have successfully used fluid cell (or “bladder”) presses to precisely form a wide range of aluminium and other sheet metal components. Today, however, strategic shifts among the major airframe OEMs mean that a growing number of these parts are being out sourced to tier 2 and 3 suppliers. With the advent of new intermediate size presses, these subcontractors are beginning to invest in fluid cell technology to cut production costs and improve their competitive position.