Processes for producing near net-shape panels and panels formed thereby. The processes include forming a preform to comprise a stack of multiple plies that contain an uncured expandable foam material. The preform has regions that differ from each other by the number and/or volume of the plies therein. The preform and its plies are then cured within a restricted volume to produce a near net-shape panel. The curing step causes the expandable foam material to expand, and the restricted volume is sized so that the number and volume of the plies within the regions of the preform cause zones within the panel to have different densities and/or thicknesses.