Abstract: A mechanism for forming thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks. The apparatus includes a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations. The stations are stepped farther away from an axis in a direction of which blanks being processed are positioned at a plurality of die stations. Grippers spaced along the axis and away from the axis at distances substantially the same as are die stations are carried by the transfer assembly. An actuator is used to move the transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to the axis between first and second axial positions. A ram is provided to move the transfer assembly between first and second stepped positions relative to the axis.

Abstract: A mechanism for forming thin metallic skin enclosures from blanks. The apparatus includes a forming assembly including a plurality of die stations. The stations are stepped farther away from an axis along which blanks being processed are positioned at a plurality of die stations. Grippers spaced from each other along the axis and away from the axis at distances substantially the same as die stations are carried by the transfer assembly. A pneumatic actuator can be used to move the transfer assembly reciprocally in directions generally parallel to the axis between first and second axial positions. In the first position the grippers are registered with corresponding die stations. In a second position the grippers are registered with die stations adjacent the ones with which they are registered when the transfer assembly is in its first position. A ram is provided to move the transfer assembly between first and second stepped positions relative to the axis.