Well, I would definitely look to see if the recipes get listed in the machine, Usually clicking on the progress arrow will list out all the things that the machine can make although I don't remember if the metal former is one.
Off the top of my head:
ingots -> uninsulated wires of all types generally with a higher output than the wire cutters
iron plates-> 1 empty fuel cell (for making nuclear fuel)
tin plates-> empty 'universal' fluid cell, (not sure on the numbers, think it might be 3 cells per tin)