METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING VARIED STRENGTH ZONES OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT

A die apparatus including a first die element, a plurality of second die elements, a plurality of actuators, and a controller is provided. Each of the plurality of actuators is mounted to one of the plurality of second die elements. The controller is programmed to activate the actuators to contact and compress portions of a blank disposed between the die elements at separate pressures to influence microstructure forming for one of a geometry transition region, a deformation region, and a joining region. One of the separate pressures applied to one of the portions of the blank may be approximately 5 N/mmor less to form a soft strength zone. The pressure of approximately 5 N/mmor less may be applied to the one of the portions of the blank for approximately one to two seconds.