Pick And Shovel

GIANT PRESS -- The giant forging press shown here recently began production at the Cleveland (O.) works of Aluminum Company of America. Capable of exerting 8,000 tons pressure for forging aluminum into vital aircraft parts, the press rises 38 feet above the floor and weighs 4,000,000 pounds.

A metal monster weighing almost 4,000,000 pounds and capable of applying 8,000 tons pressure for forging metal has begun operation, the Aluminum Company of America announced.

The 8,000 ton press, which was supplied to Alcoa under a lease arrangement with the U. S. Air Force, is an important production tool for vital aircraft forgings. It is located at the company's Cleveland (O.) works.

The 8,000 ton unit fills an important gap in a versatile line-up of aluminum forging equipment at Alcoa's Cleveland (O.) works. Previously at this location, Alcoa had presses with capacities of 1,500 tons, 3,000 tons and 15,000 tons respectively, with no intermediate size unit available. The gap in press size quite often placed limitations on forging design.

The size of the press is indicated by its overall height of 55 feet with 38 feet above floor level. The die area in which forgings can be produced is 11 1/2 feet long and 4 1/2 feet wide.