Abstract: A method for the high reduction of metal during a forming operation includes placing the metal blank being formed under compression by applying pressure to its peripheral edge surfaces and simultaneously engaging it with a drawing horn. The apparatus employed in the method includes a draw pad and a draw horn carried by the movable member or platen of a press and a die carried by the base of the press with the platen being movable toward and away from the base. The base also carries a matrix which carries a plurality of iris plates which are arranged in a circular fashion around a central axis of the die and which are adapted to move toward and away from the vertical center axis of the die so as to be moved into engagement with the peripheral edge surfaces of the blank as the press is brought to a closed position and the draw horn engages the blank.