Stretch forming is the forming of sheet, bars, and rolled or extruded sections over a die or form block of the required shape while the workpiece is held in tension. This article discusses the applicability, advantages, and machines and accessories of stretch forming. It provides a detailed discussion on four methods of stretch forming, namely, stretch draw forming, stretch wrapping, compression forming, and radial draw forming.

Flash welding (FW) is a resistance welding process in which a butt joint weld is produced by a flashing action and by the application of pressure. Flash welding is used to join metallic parts that have similar cross sections in terms of size and shape. This article discusses flash-welding applications, including chain links, transmission bands, automotive flywheel ring gears, aircraft landing gear, band-saw blades, and crankshaft counter weights. It describes the components of a typical flash-welding machine. The article provides information on the electrical controls of flash-welding equipment. These include programmable controllers, welding current controllers, and either motor or servo-valve controllers.

Hammers and high-energy-rate forging machines are classified as energy-restricted machines as they deform the workpiece by the kinetic energy of the hammer ram. This article provides information on gravity-drop hammers, power-drop hammers, die forger hammers, counterblow hammers, and computer-controlled hammers. It describes the three basic designs of high-energy-rate forging (HERF) machines: the ram and inner frame, two-ram, and controlled energy flow. The article reviews forging mechanical presses, hydraulic presses, drive presses, screw presses, and multiple-ram presses.

A fixture is a special workholding and supporting device designed and built for a particular part or shape that can be made by using standardized components, such as drill bushings, locating buttons, and clamping devices. This article provides a discussion on optimum fixture design and describes the clamping methods, namely, manual clamping, pneumatic clamping, and hydraulic clamping, and their specific principles. It presents an overview on modular fixturing for limited production. The article concludes with information on cost factors in fixturing.

Press brakes are a common and versatile type of equipment for bending metal by delivering an accurate vertical force in a confined longitudinal area. This article begins with a discussion on the design, widening methods, and types of materials used in press brakes. It focuses on the two basic drive systems used in operating press brakes, namely, mechanical and hydraulic drive systems. The article also provides an outline on the tooling associated with press-brakes.