Metal forming apparatus and method of use

A method of shaping a metal blank comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a metal blank;
• b) placing the metal blank on an inclined surface of a cavity within a frame;
• c) driving a die half having an inclined die-containing surface into the cavity so that the inclined die-containing surface is adjacent the metal blank;
• d) applying a force to the metal blank in a direction toward the die-containing surface to shape the metal blank;
• and
• e) displacing the die half from the cavity and recovering the shaped metal blank.

A metal forming apparatus comprising:

• a) a frame having a cavity with first and second surfaces angled with respect to each other to form a wedge shape, the first surface including a metal blank receiving surface;
• b) a die half having another wedge shape complementary to the wedge shape of the cavity, the die half being moveable between an operative position wherein the die half is within the cavity and an inoperative position wherein the die half is outside of the cavity;
• and
• c) means for shaping a metal blank located on the blank receiving surface when the die half is in the operative position.