Abstract: A stretch-forming machine in which a work piece is clamped at either end to hydraulic tensioning actuators, the actuators being pivotally supported at the ends of control arms that move the actuators through predetermined arcuate paths relative to a stretch die. The movement of the control arms wraps the work piece around the die while the actuators adjust for differences in the path of the work piece ends and the arcuate path of the control arms. The actuators stress the work piece to maintain it under controlled tension. The actuators are controlled as a function of arm position by cables extending between the center of the die and the pivotal supports of the actuators on the control arms. The cables wrap around the surface of the die as the control arms swing through their arcs. Linear transducers generate output signals that correspond to any changes in length of the cables between the die and the pivot points on the control arms due to the movement of the control arms relative to the die.