Patent ID: 7047788

Claim:
A method for providing improved thickness control of a workpiece formed by impact forming, an impact forming device including an upper die and a lower die, the lower die being configured and disposed for receiving the workpiece thereon, the workpiece being heated to a predetermined first temperature that is above the upper die temperature, the lower die temperature, and the impact temperature of the workpiece, the upper die operatively connected to a ram for directing the upper die into a controlled impact with the lower die with the heated workpiece interposed therebetween to effect the impact forming of the workpiece, the steps comprising: determining a precise relationship between a finished thickness of the workpiece, the temperature of the workpiece and period of time that the workpiece is in contact with the lower die prior to impact with the upper die to achieve the particular workpiece thickness; placing the workpiece on the lower die; actuating the ram within the period of time to effect the controlled impact of the upper and the lower die in response to the precise relationship (within the period of time).