US20080229795A1

US20080229795A1 - Sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming using EMP

Info

Publication number: US20080229795A1
Application number: US12/077,466
Authority: US
Inventors: James B. Toeniskoetter
Original assignee: Hirotec America Inc
Current assignee: Hirotec America Inc
Priority date: 2007-03-20
Filing date: 2008-03-19
Publication date: 2008-09-25

Abstract

A sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus using EMP includes a panel support having a support surface that generally conforms to a geometry of at least a portion of a metal panel. A securement device is disposed in proximity to the support surface and is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the support surface. An EMP coil is mounted around the securement device. The securement device secures the metal panel on the support surface, and in the working position the EMP coil is disposed in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/919,078 filed Mar. 20, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to trimming, flanging and forming of metal panels using an electromagnetic pulse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art relating to flanging of metal panels to physically contact a metal panel using a press and die arrangement or other similar mechanical tooling to create a bent edge (i.e., flange) of some angle along the edge of the panel. For example, a flange may be formed along the edge of a panel in order to prepare the panel to be hemmed together with another panel nested inside the flanged panel. Automobile body panels such as door panels, hood panels, and decklid panels may be formed by hemming nested panels. Also, the body panels may be formed by die press operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for the flanging of metal panels using pulses of electromagnetic force to bend the edges of the panels. The present invention eliminates the need for a press and die set or similar mechanical tooling. Since the present invention does not require physical contact of tooling with the panels, the present apparatus and method results in less tooling wear as well as less wear on the shearing edge of an anvil that supports the panels during the flanging process. The present invention also utilizes lighter weight tooling than conventional press and die sets. Further, the present invention also allows for flanging and trimming of a metal panel in a single operation, eliminating a separate trimming step prior to the flanging operation. The present invention also may allow for the forming of a metal panel at the same time as the flanging and/or trimming operation.
More particularly, a sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus using an electromagnetic pulse (“EMP”) in accordance with the invention includes a panel support having a support surface that generally conforms to a geometry of at least a portion of a metal panel. A securement device is disposed in proximity to the support surface and is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the support surface. An EMP coil is mounted around the securement device. In the working position, the securement device secures the metal panel on the support surface, and in the working position the EMP coil is disposed in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil.
Optionally, the panel support may be an anvil or similar. The support surface may support at least a portion of the metal panel so as to resist forces of a pulsed electromagnetic field. The securement device may be a clamp or similar.
The apparatus may also include a trim steel spaced from an outer edge of the panel support. A trim steel clamp may be disposed opposite the trim steel. The trim steel clamp may be operatively connected to the securement device such that the trim steel clamp is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the trim steel simultaneously with the securement device. An EMP coil may be mounted around the trim steel clamp for trimming of a panel workpiece. In the working position of the trim steel clamp, the EMP coil may be disposed in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil.
An additional second securement device may be disposed generally inward relative to the securement device and may be moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the support surface. An EMP coil is mounted around the second securement device for forming or piercing of a metal panel. In the working position, the second securement device secures a portion of the metal panel on the support surface. Also, in the working position the EMP coil mounted around the second securement device is disposed in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil. The support surface of the panel support may include a recessed portion disposed opposite the second securement device and mounted EMP coil. The recessed portion may be shaped to form or pierce a metal panel in a desired geometry optionally, the recessed portion may have a sharp outer edge for piercing a hole in the metal panel.
A sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method in accordance with the invention includes the steps of supporting a metal panel on a support surface of a panel support, the support surface generally conforming to a geometry of at least a portion of the metal panel; disposing a securement device in proximity to the support surface, the securement device being moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the support surface; mounting an EMP coil around the securement device; moving the securement device from the resting position into the working position such that the securement device contacts and securely holds the metal panel against the support surface, and the EMP coil is in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil; and actuating the EMP coil by passing a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current through the EMP coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil and causing a portion of the metal panel to move away from the EMP coil.
Optionally, the method may include the steps of moving the securement device from the working position to the resting position after actuating the EMP coil, and removing the metal panel from the panel support.
The method may also include the steps of spacing a trim steel from an outer edge of the panel support; disposing a trim steel clamp opposite the trim steel; operatively connecting the trim steel clamp to the securement device such that the trim steel clamp is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the trim steel simultaneously with the securement device; moving the trim steel clamp into the working position simultaneously with the securement device such that the trim steel clamp contacts an outer portion of the metal panel and holds the outer portion against the trim steel; and actuating the EMP coil to force the outer portion of the metal panel against the trim steel, causing the outer portion of the metal panel to be trimmed from the metal panel.
The EMP coil may be actuated more than one time while the securement device and the trim steel clamp are in the working position. A first pulse of the EMP coil may trim the metal panel, and a second pulse of the EMP coil may flange the metal panel.
The method may also include the steps of mounting an EMP coil around the trim steel clamp for trimming of the metal panel, wherein the EMP coil is disposed in close proximity to the metal panel when the trim steel clamp is in the working position; and actuating the EMP coil mounted around the trim steel clamp to trim the metal panel prior to actuating the EMP coil mounted on the securement device to flange the metal panel.
The method may also include the steps of disposing a second securement device generally inward relative to the securement device, the second securement device being moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to the support surface; mounting an EMP coil around the second securement device for forming or piercing of the metal panel; moving the second securement device from the resting position to the working position to secure a portion of the metal panel on the support surface; and actuating the EMP coil mounted around the second securement device by passing a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current through the EMP coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil and causing the portion of the metal panel to move away from the EMP coil in order to form or pierce the portion of the metal panel.
The support surface of the panel support may include a recessed portion disposed opposite the second securement device and mounted EMP coil. The recessed portion may be shaped to form or pierce the metal panel in a desired geometry. The step of actuating the EMP coil may include forcing the portion of the metal panel against the recessed portion, causing the portion of the metal panel to be formed or pierced.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, plan view of an electromagnetic pulse flanging arrangement in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of electromagnetic pulse flanging of a metal panel using the arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of simultaneous electromagnetic pulse trimming and flanging in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of electromagnetic pulse trimming and flanging in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention having separate trimming and flanging coils;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, plan view of an electromagnetic pulse flanging and forming or piercing in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention having separate coils for flanging and for forming and/or piercing; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional illustration taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, numeral 110 generally indicates a sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming apparatus in accordance with the invention. The apparatus 110 includes at least one electromagnetic pulse (“EMP”) coil for flanging/trimming/forming a metal workpiece (e.g., a metal panel). The apparatus 110 also allows for flanging and trimming of a metal panel in a single operation, eliminating a separate trimming step prior to the flanging operation. The apparatus 110 may also allow for the forming of a metal panel at the same time as the flanging and/or trimming operation.
Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with a first embodiment, an electromagnetic pulse sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming apparatus 110 in accordance with the invention includes a panel support 112 such as an anvil or other similar panel supporting means, a securement device 114 such as a clamp or other similar securement means, and an EMP actuator coil 116 capable of generating a pulsed electromagnetic field. The panel support 112 has a support surface 118 that is conformed to the geometry of a workpiece such as a metal panel 120 or similar at least about peripheral edges 122 of the metal panel. Alternatively, the support surface 118 also may be conformed to the metal panel 120 about an inner portion of the panel, thereby supporting the metal panel about its periphery and inner portion. The panel support 112 supports the metal panel 120 so as to resist the forces of a pulsed electromagnetic field.
The securement device 114 secures the metal panel 120 in a properly aligned relationship relative to the support surface 118 in preparation for flanging. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the securement device 114 may hold the metal panel 120 in a position in which the peripheral edges 122 of the panel extend past the edges of the support surface 118. The securement device 114 is disposed in proximity to the support surface 118 and is moveable (for example, up and down) between an open, resting position and a working position relative to the support surface. In the resting position, the securement device 114 is spaced from the support surface 118, allowing for loading and unloading of metal panels on the support surface. In the working position, the securement device 114 contacts the metal panel 120 that is loaded on the support surface 118 and clamps and holds the metal panel so that the metal panel does not move when an operation such as flanging is performed on the metal panel.
The EMP coil 116 may be fixedly mounted on/around the securement device 114, thereby allowing the EMP coil to remain fixed relative to the metal panel 120 that is supported by the support surface 118. The EMP coil 116 also may be mounted on/around the securement device 114 in a relative relationship such that when the securement device 114 holds the metal panel 120 on the support surface 118, the EMP coil is positioned in close proximity to the metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil 116.
In use, the metal panel 120 to be flanged may be aligned with and placed on the support surface 118 of the panel support 112. In order to place the metal panel 120 on the support surface 118, the securement device 114 and mounted EMP coil 116 is moved to the open, resting position at which the securement device 114 is spaced from the support surface 118. After the metal panel 120 is properly aligned with the support surface 118, the securement device 114 and mounted EMP coil 116 may be moved towards the support surface 118 and the supported metal panel 120 until the securement device contacts and securely holds the metal panel against the support surface. As shown by example in FIG. 2, the peripheral edges 122 of the metal panel 120 may extend beyond the outer edge of the support surface 118, and the EMP coil 116 may be located generally adjacent to the peripheral edges of the metal panel. In this position, the peripheral edges 122 of the metal panel 120 are ready to be flanged.
To flange the peripheral edges 122 of the metal panel 120, a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current is passed through the EMP coil 116, thereby temporarily generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil 116. For example, the current pulse may be in the range of 5-500 kA lasting for a duration of 0.1-100 milliseconds, and may be supplied by a power source such as a charged capacitor bank or similar power source capable of providing a current pulse within the stated ranges. The generated electromagnetic field induces an eddy current in the target metal panel 120. The eddy current induced in the metal panel 120 produces an electromagnetic field that opposes the electromagnetic field of the EMP coil 116. The EMP coil 116 is positioned relative to the metal panel 120 such that the opposing electromagnetic fields cause the peripheral edges 122 of the metal panel 120 to accelerate away from the EMP coil 116. Based upon the geometry of the support surface 118 relative to the metal panel 120, the metal panel is flanged to a predefined, desired angle as shown by phantom line in FIG. 2. The repulsive force generated by the electromagnetic field of the EMP coil 116 is therefore a non-contact flanging force.
After actuating the EMP coil 116 to flange the metal panel 120, the securement device 114 may be moved from the working position to the open, resting position. When the securement device 114 is in the resting position, the flanged metal panel 120 may be removed from the support surface 118. At this time, another metal panel may be loaded onto the support surface 118 for flanging or other operations.
Turning now to FIG. 3, in accordance with a second embodiment, an electromagnetic pulse apparatus 210 may be used to simultaneously trim (i.e., shear) and flange a metal panel 220. The second embodiment of the electromagnetic pulse apparatus 210 includes a panel support 212 such as an anvil or other similar panel supporting means, a securement device 214 such as a clamp or other similar securement means, an EMP actuator coil 216 capable of generating a pulse of electromagnetic force, and a trim steel 224 or similar device disposed in a spaced relationship relative to the panel support 212. For example, the trim steel 224 may be spaced from an outer edge of the panel support 212 at a side(s) of the panel support. The panel support 212, securement device 214, and EMP coil 216 may have features similar to the first embodiment 110.
The trim steel 224 is arranged such that an outer portion 226 of a metal panel 220 is supported by the trim steel, while a portion 228 of the metal panel to be flanged is disposed between the trim steel and the panel support 212. Optionally, the second embodiment 210 may also include a trim steel clamp 230 or similar securement means that secures the outer portion 226 of the metal panel 220 against the trim steel 224. The trim steel clamp 230 may be S operatively connected to the securement device 114 such that the trim steel clamp 230 moves between an open, resting position and a working position simultaneously with the securement device 114. Alternatively, the trim steel clamp 230 may move independent from the securement device 114.
In use, the metal panel 220 to be trimmed and flanged may be aligned with and placed on a support surface 218 of the panel support 212 with the outer portion 226 of the metal panel resting on the trim steel 224. In order to place the metal panel 220 on the panel support 212 and trim steel 224, the securement device 214 and mounted EMP coil 216 along with the trim steel clamp 230, if present, are moved to an open, resting position at which the securement device 214 is spaced from the panel support 212 and the trim steel clamp 230 is spaced from the trim steel 224. After the panel 220 is properly aligned with the panel support 212 and trim steel 224, the securement device 214 and mounted EMP coil 216 may be moved towards the panel support 212 and supported metal panel 220 until the securement device reaches a working position in which it contacts and securely holds the metal panel against the support surface 218 of the panel support. Likewise, the trim steel clamp 230 may be moved towards the trim steel 224 and supported outer portion 226 of the metal panel 220 until the trim steel clamp contacts and securely holds the outer portion of metal panel. As shown by example in FIG. 3, the peripheral edges of the metal panel 220 may extend beyond the edge of the panel support 212, and the EMP coil 216 may be disposed generally adjacent to the portion 228 of the metal panel 220 extending beyond the panel support 212. Further, the outermost portion 226 of the metal panel 220 rests against the trim steel 224. In this disposition, the peripheral edges of the metal panel 220 are ready to be trimmed and flanged.
To trim and flange the edges of the panel 220, a pulse of electrical current is passed through the EMP coil 216, thereby temporarily generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil. The generated electromagnetic field induces an eddy current in the target metal panel 220. The eddy current induced in the metal panel 220 produces an electromagnetic field that opposes the electromagnetic field of the EMP coil 216. The EMP coil 216 is positioned relative to the metal panel 220 such that the opposing electromagnetic fields cause the peripheral edges of the panel 220 to accelerate away from the EMP coil 216. Based upon the design of the trim steel 224, the metal panel 220 is trimmed as it is forced against the trim steel during the electromagnetic pulse. As the electromagnetic force is applied to the panel 220, the metal panel is forced against the trim steel 224, causing the metal panel to be trimmed to a desired flange length. The desired flange length is effectively equivalent to the distance between the panel support 212 and the trim steel 224. After the panel 220 is trimmed, the electromagnetic force continues to force the remaining peripheral edge portion of the panel away from the EMP coil 216. Based upon the geometry of the panel support 212 relative to the metal panel 220, the panel is flanged to a predefined, desired angle as shown schematically by a phantom line in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, the trimming and flanging may be performed by utilizing more than one coil pulse. For example, the EMP coil 216 may be pulsed a first time to trim the metal panel 220, and then subsequently pulsed a second time to complete the flanging of the metal panel against the panel support 212. The metal panel 220 may remain in a secure position on the panel support 212 between the first and second pulse.
In another alternative embodiment 310 similar to the second embodiment 210, the trimming and flanging may be performed by utilizing more than one EMP coil. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the EMP coil may be divided into two separate coils, one for trimming (trimming coil 316 a) and one for flanging (flanging coil 316 b). The trimming coil 316 a may be mounted on/around the trim steel clamp 330 and the flanging coil 316 b may be mounted on/around the securement device 314. Alternatively, the EMP coil 316 a may be mounted on/around the trim steel 324. In a working position of the securement device 314 and trim steel clamp 330, both EMP coils 316 a, 316 b are disposed in close proximity to a metal panel 320 at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coils. The trimming coil 316 a may be pulsed first to trim the metal panel 320 against trim steel 324, and then subsequently the flanging coil 316 b may be pulsed to flange the metal panel 320 against the panel support 312. The metal panel 320 may remain in a secure position on the panel support 312 between pulsing of EMP coil 316 a and pulsing of EMP coil 316 b.
Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, in yet another embodiment, an electromagnetic pulse apparatus 410 may be used to simultaneously trim, flange, and form a metal panel 420. The electromagnetic pulse apparatus 410 may include all of the elements of the first embodiment 110. The electromagnetic pulse apparatus 410 also includes additional coil(s) and clamp(s) that may be disposed in an inner area of the panel support 412 (within the edges of the panel support, for example the center) and/or the metal panel 420 on the support surface 418 to allow for forming and/or piercing of surfaces in the metal panel during the trimming and flanging operations. For example, an additional EMP actuator coil 432 and a second securement device 434 such as a clamp or similar may be used to form a pocket (such as a handle pocket) in the metal panel 420 (such as an outer door panel) during the trim and flange operation. To allow for the forming of the pocket, the panel support 412 may include a recessed portion 436 in the support surface 418 opposite the EMP coil 432 in the shape of the pocket or other desired geometry. Also, the recessed portion 436 may include a sharp outer edge for piercing a hole in the metal panel 420.
The second securement device 434 may be disposed generally inward relative to the securement device 414. The second securement device 434 also may be operatively connected to the securement device 414 such that the second securement device moves between an open, resting position and a working position relative to the support surface 418 simultaneously with the securement device 414. Alternatively, the second securement device 434 may move independent from the securement device 414. In the working position, the second securement device 434 contacts the metal panel 420 and secures a portion of the metal panel on the support surface 418. Also, in the working position the EMP coil 432 mounted on/around the second securement device 434 is disposed in close proximity to the metal panel 420 at a distance that promotes bending of the metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by the EMP coil.
In use, the metal panel 420 to be flanged and formed may be aligned with and placed on the support surface 418 of the panel support 412. In order to place the metal panel 420 on the support surface 418, the securement device 414 and mounted EMP coil 416 as well as the securement device 434 and mounted EMP coil 432 are moved to the open, resting position at which the securement devices 414, 434 are spaced from the support surface 418. After the metal panel 420 is properly aligned with the support surface 418, the securement devices 414, 434 and mounted EMP coils 416, 432 may be moved towards the support surface 418 and the supported metal panel 420 until the securement devices reach the working position in which they contact and securely hold the metal panel against the support surface. As shown by example in FIG. 6, the peripheral edges 422 of the metal panel 420 may extend beyond the outer edge of the support surface 418, and the EMP coil 416 may be located generally adjacent to the peripheral edges of the metal panel. In this position, the peripheral edges 422 of the metal panel 420 are ready to be flanged. Also, the EMP coil 432 may be located generally adjacent to an inner/inwardly disposed portion 438 of the metal panel 420 that lies above the recessed portion 436 of the support surface 418.
To flange the peripheral edges 422 of the metal panel 420, a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current is passed through the EMP coil 416, thereby temporarily generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil 416. The generated electromagnetic field induces an eddy current in the target metal panel 420. The eddy current induced in the metal panel 420 produces an electromagnetic field that opposes the electromagnetic field of the EMP coil 416. The EMP coil 416 is positioned relative to the metal panel 420 such that the opposing electromagnetic fields cause the peripheral edges 422 of the metal panel 420 to accelerate away from the EMP coil 416. Based upon the geometry of the support surface 418 relative to the metal panel 420, the metal panel is flanged to a predefined, desired angle as shown by phantom line in FIG. 6.
To form the metal panel 420, a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current is passed through the EMP coil 432, thereby temporarily generating an electromagnetic field around the EMP coil 432. The generated electromagnetic field induces an eddy current in the inner portion 438 of the target metal panel 420. The eddy current induced in the metal panel 420 produces an electromagnetic field that opposes the electromagnetic field of the EMP coil 432. The EMP coil 432 is positioned relative to the inner portion 438 of the metal panel 420 such that the opposing electromagnetic fields cause the inner portion of the metal panel to accelerate away from the EMP coil 432. Based upon the geometry of the recessed portion 436 of the support surface 418, the metal panel is formed to a predefined, desired shape as shown by phantom line in FIG. 6. Optionally, the EMP coil 432 may be pulsed simultaneously with the EMP coil 416. Alternatively, the EMP coil 432 may be pulsed shortly before or after the EMP coil 416.
Although the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

1. A sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus using EMP, said apparatus comprising:

a panel support having a support surface that generally conforms to a geometry of at least a portion of a metal panel;

a securement device disposed in proximity to said support surface and moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said support surface; and

an EMP coil mounted around the securement device;

wherein said securement device secures a metal panel on said support surface, and in said working position said EMP coil is disposed in close proximity to said metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of said metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by said EMP coil.

2. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein said panel support is an anvil.

3. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support surface supports at least a portion of a metal panel so as to resist forces of a pulsed electromagnetic field.

4. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein said securement device is a clamp.

5. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 1, including a trim steel spaced from an outer edge of said panel support.

6. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 5, including a trim steel clamp disposed opposite said trim steel, said trim steel clamp being operatively connected to said securement device such that said trim steel clamp is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said trim steel simultaneously with said securement device.

7. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 6, including an EMP coil mounted around said trim steel clamp for trimming of a panel workpiece, said EMP coil being disposed in close proximity to said metal panel in said working position at a distance that promotes bending of said metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by said EMP coil.

8. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 1, including a second securement device disposed generally inward relative to said securement device and moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said support surface; and

an EMP coil mounted around said second securement device for forming or piercing of a metal panel;

wherein said second securement device secures a portion of a metal panel on said support surface, and in said working position said EMP coil mounted around said second securement device is disposed in close proximity to said metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of said metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by said EMP coil.

9. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein said support surface of said panel support includes a recessed portion disposed opposite said second securement device and mounted EMP coil, said recessed portion being shaped to form or pierce a metal panel in a desired geometry.

10. The sheet metal trimming, flanging and forming apparatus of claim 9, wherein said recessed portion has a sharp outer edge for piercing a hole in said metal panel.

11. A sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method comprising the steps of:

supporting a metal panel on a support surface of a panel support, said support surface generally conforming to a geometry of at least a portion of said metal panel;

disposing a securement device in proximity to said support surface, said securement device being moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said support surface;

mounting an EMP coil around said securement device;

moving said securement device from said resting position into said working position such that said securement device contacts and securely holds said metal panel against said support surface, and said EMP coil is in close proximity to said metal panel at a distance that promotes bending of said metal panel when an electromagnetic pulse is generated by said EMP coil; and

actuating said EMP coil by passing a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current through said EMP coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic field around said EMP coil and causing a portion of said metal panel to move away from said EMP coil.

12. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 11, including the steps of:

moving said securement device from said working position to said resting position after actuating said EMP coil; and

removing said metal panel from said panel support.

13. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 11, including the steps of:

spacing a trim steel from an outer edge of said panel support;

disposing a trim steel clamp opposite said trim steel;

operatively connecting said trim steel clamp to said securement device such that said trim steel clamp is moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said trim steel simultaneously with said securement device;

moving said trim steel clamp into said working position simultaneously with said securement device such that said trim steel clamp contacts an outer portion of said metal panel and holds said outer portion against said trim steel; and

actuating said EMP coil to force said outer portion of said metal panel against said trim steel, causing said outer portion of said metal panel to be trimmed from said metal panel.

14. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 13, wherein said EMP coil is actuated more than one time while said securement device and said trim steel clamp are in said working position.

15. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 14, wherein a first pulse of said EMP coil trims said metal panel, and a second pulse of said EMP coil flanges said metal panel.

16. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 13, including the steps of:

mounting an EMP coil around said trim steel clamp for trimming of said metal panel, wherein said EMP coil is disposed in close proximity to said metal panel when said trim steel clamp is in said working position; and

actuating said EMP coil mounted around said trim steel clamp to trim said metal panel prior to actuating said EMP coil mounted on said securement device to flange said metal panel.

17. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 11, including the steps of:

disposing a second securement device generally inward relative to said securement device, said second securement device being moveable between a resting position and a working position relative to said support surface;

mounting an EMP coil around said second securement device for forming or piercing of said metal panel;

moving said second securement device from said resting position to said working position to secure a portion of said metal panel on said support surface; and

actuating said EMP coil mounted around said second securement device by passing a brief, high intensity pulse of electrical current through said EMP coil, thereby generating an electromagnetic field around said EMP coil and causing said portion of said metal panel to move away from said EMP coil in order to form or pierce said portion of said metal panel.

18. The sheet metal trimming, flanging, and forming method of claim 17, wherein:

said support surface of said panel support includes a recessed portion disposed opposite said second securement device and mounted EMP coil, said recessed portion being shaped to form or pierce said metal panel in a desired geometry; and

the step of actuating said EMP coil includes forcing said portion of said metal panel against said recessed portion, causing said portion of said metal panel to be formed or pierced.