Process for forming curved vehicle body panels

摘要

A process and apparatus for forming curved vehicle door panels is disclosed. A jig is provided having a curved surface. A place of sheet metal is placed face down on the curved surface of the jig. The sheet metal is then compressed edgewise to cause it to bow in conformity with the curved surface. Then, a curved frame member is placed on the concave side of the bowed sheet metal. The frame is then fastened to the bowed sheets such that the frame holds the sheet in its bowed condition to form a curved vehicle door panel. Finally, the finished panel is removed from the jig.