Patent ID: 7669450

Claim:
A method for forming a workpiece comprising the steps of: providing a forming die including first and second die members operative to move between a first open position and a second sealed position wherein when said forming die is in said second sealed position, a mold cavity is formed by the first and second die members; placing the workpiece in the forming die and moving the forming die to the second sealed position wherein the workpiece is positioned in the mold cavity; using gas pressure to form the workpiece, the gas pressure acting on at least one side of the workpiece in the mold cavity to form the workpiece; managing the gas pressure used to form a workpiece in accordance with a predetermined pressure profile wherein said pressure profile includes at least one reduction of pressure during the forming process, said at least one reduction of pressure occurring prior to fully forming the workpiece; and venting the gas pressure, wherein the reduction of pressure occurs prior to venting the gas pressure.