Press Forming
Press forming shapes sheet or plate into three-dimensional parts using dies in mechanical or hydraulic presses, including bending, flanging, embossing, stretching and drawing. It produces consistent formed parts in medium to high volumes.
What it is
A punch and die, designed for the part, form the sheet in one or more press strokes. Hydraulic presses give controlled force for deep or thick forming; mechanical presses give high speed for production.
Press forming is often combined with blanking and piercing in progressive or transfer dies.
Typical applications
- Automotive panels and brackets
- Appliance housings and panels
- Dished ends and pans
- Electrical boxes and covers
- Agricultural implement parts
Suitable materials
- CRCA and HR steel (drawing quality)
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Galvanised steel
Points to consider
- Use forming-grade material for deep or complex shapes.
- Generous radii reduce cracking and springback issues.
- Tooling cost needs volumes to justify it.
- Prototype shapes can be proven with soft tools first.
Frequently asked questions
What is press forming?
Shaping sheet or plate into 3D parts using a punch and die in a press.
Is press forming the same as deep drawing?
Deep drawing is a type of press forming used for cup-shaped and hollow parts.
What material is best for press forming?
Drawing-quality steels (such as CRCA D/DD/EDD grades), aluminium and stainless steel.