Apparatus including a die, for forming shapes from blanks. The blanks are drawn over a support surface upstream of the die with respect to the direction of travel of the particles which form the blank before they reach the die cavity and this surface is vibrated so that each point on it vibrates in a direction that passes through the drawing axis. The blank may be held against this surface by being sandwiched between it and a blank holder, the surface of which may vibrate in a similar direction. The invention includes special means of supporting the die unit in position during operation in such a way that the dissipation of vibrational energy is minimised.