How to Use Sheet Metal Forming Tools in SOLIDWORKS

Sheet metal forming tools create pressed shapes such as louvers, ribs, beads, embosses, and lances in sheet metal parts. In SOLIDWORKS, forming tools are usually stored in the Design Library and dragged onto a sheet metal face.

Check the forming tool folder

Forming tools must be recognized as forming tools by SOLIDWORKS. In the Design Library, the folder containing forming tools should be marked as a forming tools folder. If it is not, SOLIDWORKS may insert the file as a normal part instead of using it to deform the sheet metal body.

Place a forming tool

1. Open a sheet metal part.
2. Open the Design Library.
3. Find the forming tool you want to use.
4. Drag the tool onto a flat sheet metal face.
5. Set the orientation, position, and rotation.
6. Confirm the feature and rebuild the part.

Use dimensions or relations to locate the forming feature accurately. A forming tool that is placed by eye may look acceptable on screen but be hard to manufacture consistently.

Understand stopping faces and removal faces

A forming tool uses reference faces to control how it deforms the sheet. The stopping face controls how far the tool presses into the sheet, while removal faces can create cut areas. If a custom tool behaves incorrectly, check how those faces are defined in the forming tool part.

Use forming tools in flat patterns carefully

Some formed features may appear differently in a flat pattern depending on the tool, sheet metal settings, and manufacturing process. Review the flat pattern and drawing before release so the formed feature is represented clearly.

When sending the part for fabrication, include any notes needed to explain the forming operation, direction, tooling, and inspection requirement.

Troubleshooting

If the forming tool will not place, confirm that the target body is a sheet metal part and that the selected face is suitable. If the result appears backward, flip the tool direction or rotate the placement sketch. If the tool inserts as a part, check the Design Library folder setting.