Power, Precision & Pad Forming: The 1000-Ton Beckwood Rubber Pad Forming Press From a Major Helicopter Manufacturer

Hydraulic, Hydraulic Pad Forming, Pad Press, PRESSTags: 1000 Ton Hydraulic Press, 4-Post Press, aerospace manufacturing, Aerospace Sheet Metal Forming, Aircraft Component Fabrication, b, Beckwood Press, Bladder Forming vs Pad Forming, Buy Pad Forming Press, Heavy-Duty Metal Press, Hydraulic Forming Equipment, Industrial Press for Aerospace, Metal Forming Techniques, Pad Forming Press, Precision Metalworking, Request Machinery Quote, Sell Used Machinery, Sheet Metal Forming, Urethane Pad Forming, Used Hydraulic Press for Sale, Verson Bladder PressBrands: Beckwood

The Power of Rubber Pad Forming Hydraulic Press

There’s a new beast on our showroom floor, and it’s not your average press. This Used Beckwood 1000 Ton Hydraulic 4-Post Pad Forming Press was pulled straight from the production line of a major California helicopter manufacturer, and it’s built to shape metal with serious precision—and even more serious force.

This isn’t just a hydraulic press. It’s a dedicated pad forming press, specifically engineered for forming complex aerospace sheet metal parts around detailed forms using a rubber urethane wrap. Glued directly to the ram, this specialized urethane compresses against a metal form and sheet metal, conforming to every contour with astonishing accuracy.

Pad forming presses are a go-to solution in aerospace and high-precision industries. With 1,000 tons of force and a 8-inch stroke, this Beckwood press is ideal for shallow draw parts, aircraft skins, ribs, and control surface components. When activated, the press forces the urethane pad to flow around the sheet metal and form beneath, delivering a uniform result without damaging delicate surfaces or requiring multiple tool setups.

This press isn’t a dinosaur—it’s a 2004 model, and its new replacement cost tops $850,000. Ours? Available now at a fraction of the cost. And yes, we’ll help you with shipping logistics anywhere you need.  This machine is Legal Size for shipping and ALL ABOVE GROUND!

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Pad Forming vs. Bladder Pressing: What’s the Difference?

In the world of aerospace forming, pad presses and bladder presses are two common tools for shaping metal, but they take different approaches—and each has unique strengths.

Pad Forming Press (Like This Beckwood)

• Uses a urethane pad adhered to the ram.

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• Ram directly presses against the sheet metal and form, deforming the rubber to conform to every detail.

• Ideal for shallow parts, complex shapes, and short-run jobs.

• Minimal tooling required—fast changeovers and low maintenance.

• Best for precision and high-speed forming of parts with variable geometries.

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Bladder Forming Press (Verson Style)

• Employs a flexible rubber bladder filled with hydraulic fluid.

• Bladder inflates and pushes the sheet metal into a die cavity.

• Used for deeper drawn parts, like bulkier components or multi-contour skins.

• Offers more control over pressure distribution.

• More expensive to maintain and slower cycle times.

Verdict?
If you’re forming shallow, precision parts and want less setup time, lower cost, and faster cycles, the pad press wins—hands down. That’s why this Beckwood was used in one of the most demanding aerospace environments in the country.

Why This Beckwood Press Belongs in Your Shop

• ✅ 1,000 Tons of Forming Force

• ✅ Heavy-Duty 4-Post Construction

• ✅ Engineered for Aerospace Applications

• ✅ Versatile Pad Forming Capabilities

• ✅ Low Cost vs. New Replacement

• ✅ Ready to Ship Now

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring aerospace-grade forming to your production floor. Whether you’re in aviation, automotive, or advanced prototyping, this press will pay for itself in speed, accuracy, and reliability.

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to schedule a demo, request a shipping quote, or get answers from our machinery experts.

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