Abstract: A die set for forming a panel having a surface includes a stationary die, a moveable die, and a clamp attached to the stationary die to secure a panel blank. The moveable die includes a moveable brazing formation surface and the stationary die includes a stationary brazing formation surface for forming the surface. One of the moveable and stationary dies includes a male bead forming portion, and the other includes a female bead forming portion for forming a bead. The male and female bead forming portions extend in a continuous and uninterrupted, generally parallel relationship with the moveable and stationary brazing formation surfaces. The male and female bead forming portions are operable to engage the panel blank during movement of the moveable die to induce tensile forces in both a first direction parallel to a path of the surface and a second direction transverse to the path.

Abstract: A die set for forming a panel having a surface includes a stationary die, a moveable die, and a clamp attached to the stationary die to secure a panel blank. The moveable die includes a moveable brazing formation surface and the stationary die includes a stationary brazing formation surface for forming the surface. One of the moveable and stationary dies includes a male bead forming portion, and the other includes a female bead forming portion for forming a bead. The male and female bead forming portions extend in a continuous and uninterrupted, generally parallel relationship with the moveable and stationary brazing formation surfaces. The male and female bead forming portions are operable to engage the panel blank during movement of the moveable die to induce tensile forces in both a first direction parallel to a path of the surface and a second direction transverse to the path.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface in a panel includes positioning a panel blank between a stationary die and a moveable die of a die set, and moving the moveable die toward the stationary die to deform the panel blank therebetween. Positive stresses in the panel blank are maintained in the region of the panel blank that will form the surface by forming a bead along a length of the surface to be formed in the panel blank, as the moveable die moves toward the stationary die. The moveable die continues to move toward the stationary die, while maintaining positive stresses in the panel blank in the region of the panel blank that will form the surface, to further deform the panel blank into a formed shape that includes the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface in a panel includes positioning a panel blank between a stationary die and a moveable die of a die set, and moving the moveable die toward the stationary die to deform the panel blank therebetween. Positive stresses in the panel blank are maintained in the region of the panel blank that will form the surface by forming a bead along a length of the surface to be formed in the panel blank, as the moveable die moves toward the stationary die. The moveable die continues to move toward the stationary die, while maintaining positive stresses in the panel blank in the region of the panel blank that will form the surface, to further deform the panel blank into a formed shape that includes the surface.