Abstract: In accordance with the method of this invention, at least one sheet containing the spider springs is positioned in a novel preform fixture having internal parts constructed to simultaneously permanently preform each spring after the fixture is heat treated. The novel fixture for carrying out the preforming process of the invention on an etched sheet comprises a base plate having a number of columns extending vertically upwardly from the flat surface. The number of columns is equal to the number of springs on the sheet, and their disposition on the base corresponds to the disposition of the inner rings on the sheet. The outside diameter of a column is substantially equal to the outside diameter of an inner ring. An intermediate plate is provided defining a number of transverse bores equal to the number of columns.