Device and method for locating variable length components in a modular forming die

Apparatus for positioning a thin, metallic workpiece within a die assembly for forming at least one joggle, comprising:

• a joggle die system including at least one heating element for heating the die system to a preselected temperature, the die system including at least a pair of dies, the dies movable from a stored position to a closed position, the movable dies of preselected height having a die cavity formed therebetween with a predetermined shape for forming at least one joggle in the thin, metallic workpiece, the dies being separable to accept a workpiece having a maximum thickness of about {fraction (3/16)}″;
• a back gage assembly, the back gage assembly including,
• a back gage plate movable in a horizontal direction from a first predetermined closed position in relation to the dies, wherein the back gage plate contacts the workpiece, to a second stored position wherein the back gage plate is retracted away from the workpiece, the back gage assembly being further independently adjustable in a vertical direction, means for accurately positioning the back gage plate in the horizontal direction at the first predetermined closed position in relation to a datum location on the dies,
• means for moving the back gage plate in the horizontal direction from the closed position contacting the workpiece to the stored position out of contact with the workpiece;
• means for adjusting the height of the back gage plate to a preselected vertical position in the vertical direction so that the back gage plate contacts the workpiece and does not contact the dies;
• means for clamping the workpiece in position between the dies after position the workpiece in relation to the dies;
• and
• means for applying pressure to the joggle die system to form a joggle in the clamped workpiece.