Erie Press Systems successfully engineered and installed a complete retrofit open-die frame structure at Patriot Forge in Brantford, Ontario. The project required replacing the existing 1,250-ton Bliss press frame and designing a new structure that would be the same height and sit on the same foundation while increasing its capacity to 1,650 tons. The new frame consisted of a base, crown, two columns and pre-tensioned tie rods. Other critical components supplied were lower die lock components, redesigned gibs and wedges, gland flange, adapter plate and guide fences. Patriot Forge will forge standard carbon, stainless and alloy ingots, billets and bars weighing up to 40,000 pounds in the new press.