Abstract: Precision forming apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a die with a cavity which conforms with the shape of a portion of a part to be formed, a punch with a cavity which conforms with the shape of another portion of the part to be formed, and means for causing relative movement of the die and the punch between(a) a first (closed) position in which the die and the punch nearly abut one another and the two cavities are aligned and form a single cavity which conforms with the shape of the part to be formed, andb) a second (open) position in which the die and the punch are separated from one another and a billet can be placed in the cavity of one to be formed, when the two are returned to the first position, to the shape of the single cavity.The cavity forms longitudinally opposed end walls in their entirety. As a consequence, the length of a part to be formed is determined by the punch cavity, and can be changed by substituting a different punch.