Multi-ram press and method of metal forming

A method of forming a workpiece, comprising the steps of:

• providing a center ram, a first outside ram, a second outside ram, and a die, said die including a die surface having a first arcuate surface, a first planar surface and a second arcuate surface, said first planar surface being interposed between said first arcuate surface and said second arcuate surface, said die surface having a die center surface including at least part of said first arcuate surface, said first planar surface, and at least part of said second arcuate surface, said center ram having a center ram surface including a center ram first arcuate surface, a center ram planar surface, and a center ram second arcuate surface, said center ram planar surface being interposed between said center ram first arcuate surface and said center ram second arcuate surface, said center ram surface being complimentary in shape to said die center surface;
• pressing said center ram against the workpiece and toward said die to a first predetermined die depth;
• trapping the workpiece between said center ram and said die;
• pressing said first outside ram and said second outside ram against the workpiece and toward said die to a second predetermined die depth;
• and
• stretching the workpiece beyond a yield tensile strength of the workpiece material using said die, said center ram, said first outside ram and said second outside ram.