ABSTRACT
Metal forming processes transform simple-geometry billets/blanks into complexgeometry products through the plastic deformation of the metal in open or closed dies. Due to the high costs of the dies, however, these processes are primarily reserved for mass production. Metals to be formed under (normally compressive) stress must be ductile and have low yield strength. These properties can be favorably induced, when necessary, by preheating the billets/blanks prior to their placement in the press. Furthermore, one should note that metal forming processes may take one or a few iterations (i.e., using one or multiple dies) in yielding near net shape desired geometries with no or little scrap.
