Apparatus for stamp forming a workpiece and method associated therewith

A method for stamp forming a workpiece, the method comprising:

• positioning the workpiece between a first tool and a second tool opposing the first tool along a stamping axis, wherein the second tool comprises an elastomeric member opposing the first tool along the stamping axis, wherein the elastomeric member defines a periphery spaced from the stamping axis;
• compressing the workpiece between the first tool and the elastomeric member of the second tool in response to the first tool and the second tool being approximated;
• and
• during the compressing, reducing concentration of stress along at least one of the periphery of the elastomeric member and a midplane of the elastomeric member.