Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming and shearing a sheet metal workpiece in a single operation. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a stationary lower die half; (b) stretching the workpiece over the lower die half to stretch-form the workpiece; (c) providing a vertically movable upper die half including a laterally movable floating portion with a shearing edge; (d) moving the upper die half toward the lower die half; (e) moving the floating portion laterally as the upper die half is moved toward the lower die half in order to properly align the floating portion with the lower die half; and (f) shearing the stretch-formed workpiece between the shearing edge and the lower die half as the upper die half moves toward the lower die half.

Abstract: A flexible, circular, elastomer air foil that is a unitary structure has a central portion that droops downward when the foil is resting on a horizontal flat surface surrounded by an annular portion that is then convex on top and concave on the bottom when resting on a thicker perimetrical rim portion.