Patent ID: 7954357

Claim:
A multilayer driver plate for use in electromagnetic forming of at least a portion of a sheet metal workpiece against a forming surface, the forming surface having elevated or recessed forming features with a maximum dimension from height to depth for shaping of the sheet metal workpiece, the driver plate comprising: an elastomer layer comprising an elastomeric material; the elastomer layer having a surface for receiving a sheet metal forming force on one side of the layer; a sheet metal forming surface, with an un-deformed forming surface shape, on the other side of the layer; and a layer thickness that is greater than the maximum dimension of the forming features such that the sheet metal forming surface of the elastomer layer can momentarily engage and push a sheet metal workpiece into conformance with the forming surface by momentary deformation of the sheet metal forming surface of the elastomer layer, the forming surface of the elastomer layer returning to its un-deformed shape after shaping the sheet metal; a metal layer having an electrical resistivity for periodic inducement of an electromagnetic force within the metal layer for electromagnetic forming of the sheet metal workpiece, the metal layer having a predetermined thickness based on a required induced electromagnetic forming force and being positioned for transmitting the induced electromagnetic forming force to the force receiving surface of the elastomer layer; and a support layer, more rigid than the metal layer, interposed between the elastomer layer and the metal layer.