Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating and forming apparatus for sheet material and method for rapid heating and shaping of sheet material. The apparatus comprises a first and second respectively movable forming dies, with the first forming die having a forming surface and defining a cavity with the second forming die. The apparatus is adaptable to receive a sheet material positionable within the cavity. A heating mechanism is placed within the cavity to heat the sheet material. The forming surface of the first forming die is not substantially heated. A pressurization mechanism is in communication with the cavity to move the sheet material into conformity with the forming surface of the first die. An improvement in the process of stretch forming a sheet material into a product by using quick plastic forming (QPF) or superplastic forming (SPF) is provided.