Forming tools in Solidworks - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows different forming tools used in SolidWorks manufacturing, their types, materials, costs, and how many times each has been used.

Cell	Value
A1	Tool Name
B1	Type
C1	Material
D1	Cost
E1	Usage Count
A2	Punch 1
B2	Punch
C2	HSS
D2	150
E2	120
A3	Die 1
B3	Die
C3	Carbide
D3	300
E3	80
A4	Form 1
B4	Form
C4	Steel
D4	200
E4	150

Formula Trace

=SUM(D2:D4)

Step 1: D2 + D3 + D4

Step 2: 650

Cell Reference Map

    A       B       C       D       E
1 | Tool  | Type  | Material | Cost  | Usage
  -----------------------------------------
2 | Punch 1 | Punch | HSS     | 150   | 120
3 | Die 1   | Die   | Carbide | 300   | 80 
4 | Form 1  | Form  | Steel   | 200   | 150

Cells D2, D3, and D4 are referenced for cost summation.

The formula references the Cost column cells D2, D3, and D4 to calculate total cost.

Result

    A       B       C       D       E
1 | Tool  | Type  | Material | Cost  | Usage
  -----------------------------------------
2 | Punch 1 | Punch | HSS     | 150   | 120
3 | Die 1   | Die   | Carbide | 300   | 80 
4 | Form 1  | Form  | Steel   | 200   | 150
5 | Total Cost:           |       | 650   |    

The total cost of all forming tools is displayed in cell D5 as 650.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

Which cells are added together in the formula?

A D2, D3, D4

B A2, B3, C4

C E2, E3, E4

D B2, C3, D4

Key Result

SUM(range) adds all numeric values in the specified cell range.

Practice

1. What is the primary purpose of forming tools in SolidWorks sheet metal design?

easy

A. To shape metal by pressing without cutting

B. To cut metal into separate pieces

C. To paint the metal surface

D. To measure metal thickness

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand forming tools function

   Forming tools shape sheet metal by pressing, not cutting or removing material.

2. Step 2: Compare options with definition

   Only To shape metal by pressing without cutting describes shaping by pressing; others describe cutting, painting, or measuring.

3. Final Answer:

   To shape metal by pressing without cutting -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Forming tools = shaping by pressing [OK]

Hint: Remember: forming tools press, they don't cut [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing forming tools with cutting tools
• Thinking forming tools paint or measure metal
• Assuming forming tools remove material

2. Which of the following is the correct way to create a forming tool in SolidWorks?

easy

A. Use the Weldments > Insert > Forming Tool command

B. Use the Assembly > Insert > Forming Tool command

C. Use the Surface > Insert > Forming Tool command

D. Use the Sheet Metal > Insert > Forming Tool command

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct menu path for forming tools

   Forming tools are part of sheet metal features, so they are under Sheet Metal menu.

2. Step 2: Match options with correct menu

   Only Use the Sheet Metal > Insert > Forming Tool command uses Sheet Metal > Insert > Forming Tool, others use unrelated menus.

3. Final Answer:

   Use the Sheet Metal > Insert > Forming Tool command -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Forming tools = Sheet Metal menu [OK]

Hint: Forming tools are always under Sheet Metal menu [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Selecting wrong menu like Weldments or Assembly
• Confusing forming tools with surface features
• Trying to insert forming tools in assemblies

3. Given a sheet metal part with a forming tool feature that creates a dimple, what will happen if you increase the depth parameter of the forming tool?

medium

A. The dimple will become shallower and less visible

B. The dimple will become deeper pressing more into the metal

C. The dimple will be removed from the part

D. The metal thickness will increase

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand depth parameter effect

   Increasing depth means pressing the forming tool further into the metal, making the dimple deeper.

2. Step 2: Analyze options

   Only The dimple will become deeper pressing more into the metal correctly describes deeper dimples; others describe incorrect effects.

3. Final Answer:

   The dimple will become deeper pressing more into the metal -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Depth up = dimple deeper [OK]

Hint: More depth means deeper shape [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking depth reduces dimple size
• Assuming forming tools remove features
• Believing metal thickness changes with depth

4. You created a forming tool but it does not appear on your sheet metal part after insertion. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The forming tool sketch is not fully defined

B. The forming tool is not saved as a part file

C. The forming tool feature is suppressed

D. The sheet metal thickness is zero

Solution

1. Step 1: Check forming tool visibility

   If the forming tool feature is suppressed, it will not appear on the part.

2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

   Sketch definition or saving issues usually cause errors, not invisibility; zero thickness is invalid but different problem.

3. Final Answer:

   The forming tool feature is suppressed -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Suppressed feature = invisible forming tool [OK]

Hint: Check if forming tool feature is suppressed [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring feature suppression status
• Assuming sketch issues hide forming tool
• Confusing file saving with feature visibility

5. You want to create a forming tool that adds ribs to a sheet metal part. Which steps should you follow to ensure the ribs form correctly and simulate manufacturing?

hard

A. Create a forming tool part with rib shapes, save it, then insert it into the sheet metal part using Insert > Forming Tool, ensuring the tool thickness matches the sheet metal thickness.

B. Draw ribs directly on the sheet metal part without using forming tools.

C. Use the weldment feature to add ribs instead of forming tools.

D. Create a surface feature for ribs and convert it to a forming tool.

Solution

1. Step 1: Create forming tool part with rib shapes

   Design the rib shapes in a separate part file to use as a forming tool.

2. Step 2: Insert forming tool into sheet metal part

   Use Insert > Forming Tool command and ensure tool thickness matches sheet metal thickness for correct forming.

3. Final Answer:

   Create a forming tool part with rib shapes, save it, then insert it into the sheet metal part using Insert > Forming Tool, ensuring the tool thickness matches the sheet metal thickness. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Forming tool part + insert + thickness match = correct ribs [OK]

Hint: Match forming tool thickness to sheet metal thickness [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Skipping forming tool creation and drawing ribs directly
• Using weldments instead of forming tools for ribs
• Trying to convert surface features to forming tools