Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cleanly defined holes through reinforced metal matrix material includes a drill bit with a shank portion and flutes on said shank portion, the drill bit capable of withstanding a chip load of at least about 0.008 inch/rev/flute, and preferably in the range of from about 0.008 inch/rev/flute to about 0.012 inch/rev/flute, achieved through turning the bit at a speed within the range of about 18 surface feet per minute ("sfpm") to about 20 sfpm, and advancing the bit at an aggressive rate through the metal matrix material at a rate of from about 3 inches per minute to about 6 inches per minute.

Abstract: A stretch-forming tool to provide a variable tool contour for the stretch-wrap forming and joggling of extrusions of aluminum, or the like, to any of a variety of different contours. The present tool comprises a base plate in which a plurality of elongated slots of variable length are cut. An array of position variable form blocks are respectively connected to the base plate at the slots formed therein. Each of the form blocks is adapted to ride through a respective slot to assume a particular position, relative to other form blocks of the array, whereby to define a desired net contour. The form blocks are particularly aligned relative to one another by means of a template. The template is shaped so as to correspond to the configuration of the final production part, either precisely or approximately, depending on whether compensation for springback is to be included.