Experimental investigations into two innovative techniques for the manufacture of sheet metal panels with regularly spaced deep recesses were conducted: In superplastic forming, the panel is formed in one operation, while in the cold forming technique separate blank holders are used in sequential forming of the recesses. Aluminium alloy Al-5083SP and commercially pure aluminium were used in the superplastic forming and cold forming, respectively. Conditions for satisfactory forming in both cases were established. Measurements of the recess profiles formed were made and presented here. The relative cost of making the panels by the two different processes is also discussed.