Verfahren zum Umformen eines Werkstücks und Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens

A press assembly is operable from the open condition to a closed condition to deform a workpiece. The press assembly is the operable from the closed condition to an open condition to facilitate removal of the deformed workpiece from the press assembly. During operation of the press assembly, the workpiece is held by upper and lower draw rings or members which apply pressure to opposite sides of the workpiece. A cushion assembly is operable to provide a yieldable force opposing movement of the draw rings. As the press is operated from the open condition to the closed condition, the lower draw ring is accelerated while the upper draw ring is spaced from the lower draw ring. This reduces shock loading on the press when the upper draw ring and workpiece subsequently impact against the lower draw ring to grip the workpiece. To effect acceleration of the lower draw ring, force is transmitted from the upper draw ring to the cushion assembly to retract the cushion assembly prior to impacting of the upper draw ring and workpiece against the lower draw ring. During operation of the press assembly to the open condition, the lower draw ring is decelerated relative to the upper draw ring before the lower draw ring reaches its initial or open press condition.