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.
SOLIDWORKS
includes some
example
forming tool parts to get you started. They are stored in: C:\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.