Minimization of sheet thickness variation and other defects of mini drawn parts using a blank holder plate made from concentric rings

•The sheet thickness variation in the case of mini drawn parts was analyzed.•New tools were made to minimize the sheet thickness variation and its effects.•The blankholder plate was made from two concentric rings with different widths.•The rings were made from different materials and were pressed with different forces.•The new tool geometries were verified/validated by simulation and experiment.