More traditional die-face designs are carried out according to experience without considering the mapping function between design parameters and finite element simulation results. So it is difficulty to optimize the design parameters. In the present research, the basic principle of the sheet metal forming optimization by the response surface method was discussed, along with the replacement model of finite element simulation results. Specially, the design variables, the objective function, constraints and the multi-objective optimization approach in sheet metal forming optimization were introduced. Based on the response surface method, the inner panel of automotive suspension was studied, and the optimal model of the die-face-geometric parameters was established with the least blank thickness as the object, the die-face-geometric parameters as the variables and the constraints as the FLD. Finally the die-face-geometric parameters were optimized. With the optimal parameters, the pressing test was carried out to verify the optimization result.