Forming tools are parts that act as dies that bend, stretch, or otherwise form sheet metal to create form features such as louvers, lances, flanges, and ribs.
The SOLIDWORKS software includes some sample forming tool parts to get you
started. They are stored in: <install_dir>\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS
<version>\design library\forming tools. You can add this folder to
the Design Library by
setting it up in File Locations.
You can insert forming tools only from
the Design Library and you can apply them only
to sheet metal parts. The part on which you insert the forming tool is called
the target part. You can create your own forming tools using many of the same steps you
use to create any SOLIDWORKS part.
There are two methods for using forming tools.
Each has a different workflow:
- .sldftp files. Create an
.sldftp file and store it in any folder.
The forming tool functionality is based on the file extension. These files use newer
technology to make the files.
- .sldprt files. Create an
.sldprt file and store it in a folder that
is marked as Forming Tools Folder in the
Design Library. These files use legacy technology to make the files.
Before you apply forming tools to sheet metal parts, in
the Design Library you must right-click the
folder that contains the forming tools and select Forming
Tools Folder to designate its contents as forming tools. This
applies to forming tools that are part files (*.sldprt), not Form Tool (*.sldftp)
files.