Using Forming Tools with Sheet Metal

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.

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.

For .SLDFTP parts, create an .sldftp file and store it in any folder. The forming tool functionality is based on the file extension.