Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a sheet metal blank into a shaped outline is disclosed. The blank is clamped hydraulically between an upper tool and a lower tool with one of the tools having the shaped outline. Hydraulic pressure acts on a side of the sheet metal blank opposite the shaped outline to force the sheet metal blank into the shaped outline. The sheet metal blank, under the controlled action of the hydraulic pressure, is initially preformed to an extension of 10-15% of initial dimensions of the sheet metal blank and then, with continuing hydraulic pressure, the sheet metal blank is finally shaped by drawing without further extension until the sheet metal blank completely conforms to the shaped outline.

Abstract: A hydraulic press which includes at least one cylinder piston unit for selectively displacing a punch. The cylinder piston unit includes at least one working chamber which communicates with a reversible continuously operating working pressure medium supplier having a variable output. At least one action stroke pressure unit is operatively connected to the punch and acts upon the same only during a segment of the motion of the punch in an action stroke direction. The action stroke pressure unit is temporarily connected to a pressure medium source having a higher pressure than the pressure produced by the pressure medium supplier.