Creating Custom Forming Tools
Modifying existing Forming Tools may be suitable in many situations, but sometimes you might require an entirely custom tool. This could be something such as an unusually shaped indent or vent, a product's operating instructions or markings, or even your company logo. In these cases, we can create Custom Forming Tools. These tools are reasonably straightforward to make within SolidWorks, but be aware that creating and using Custom Forming Tools in real-life manufacturing is likely to add cost and lead time to your parts.
To make a Custom Forming Tool, we first create a shape as a normal part document, and then we convert it to a Forming Tool and save it as the appropriate file type, as follows:
- Start a new part document and sketch a base on the Top Plane. This base is only used to help with tool setup and will be cut away from the model before use, so the exact size isn't critical, but it should always be larger than the main tool...