How to Create a Forming Tool in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a forming tool in SolidWorks, first design the tool part with the desired shape, then use the Forming Tool feature under the Sheet Metal tab to define the tool. Finally, save the tool and use it in sheet metal parts to create forming features.

Syntax

Creating a forming tool in SolidWorks involves these main steps:

• Design Tool Part: Model the tool shape as a solid body.
• Activate Forming Tool Feature: Go to Sheet Metal tab and select Forming Tool.
• Define Tool Parameters: Set the tool thickness, bend allowance, and other options.
• Save Tool: Save the part as a forming tool file.

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1. Create tool shape as a solid part
2. Go to Sheet Metal tab > Forming Tool
3. Set tool thickness and parameters
4. Save the part as a forming tool

Example

This example shows how to create a simple rectangular forming tool:

• Start a new part and sketch a rectangle on the front plane.
• Extrude the rectangle to desired thickness (e.g., 5 mm).
• Go to the Sheet Metal tab and click Forming Tool.
• Set the tool thickness to match the extrusion thickness.
• Save the part as Rectangular_Forming_Tool.sldprt.

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1. Open SolidWorks and create a new part.
2. Sketch a rectangle on the Front Plane.
3. Extrude the rectangle to 5 mm thickness.
4. Click on Sheet Metal tab > Forming Tool.
5. Set thickness to 5 mm and confirm.
6. Save the part as "Rectangular_Forming_Tool.sldprt".

Output

A forming tool part file named "Rectangular_Forming_Tool.sldprt" is created with the defined tool shape and thickness.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating forming tools include:

• Not matching the tool thickness with the extrusion thickness, causing errors when applying the tool.
• Forgetting to activate the Forming Tool feature from the Sheet Metal tab.
• Using complex geometry that is not supported for forming tools.
• Not saving the part properly as a forming tool file.

Always verify the tool thickness and keep the geometry simple for best results.

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Wrong approach:
- Extrude tool with 5 mm thickness
- Forget to set thickness in Forming Tool feature

Right approach:
- Extrude tool with 5 mm thickness
- Set thickness to 5 mm in Forming Tool feature

Quick Reference

Forming Tool Creation Cheat Sheet:

Step	Action
1	Design tool shape as solid body
2	Go to Sheet Metal tab > Forming Tool
3	Set tool thickness and parameters
4	Save part as forming tool file

Step	Action
1	Design tool shape as solid body
2	Go to Sheet Metal tab > Forming Tool
3	Set tool thickness and parameters
4	Save part as forming tool file

Key Takeaways

Design the forming tool as a solid part with correct thickness.

Use the Sheet Metal tab's Forming Tool feature to define the tool.

Match the tool thickness in the feature to the part extrusion thickness.

Save the part properly as a forming tool file for reuse.

Keep tool geometry simple for best forming results.