Formwerkzeug

Formwerkzeug, literally translating to "forming tool" in German, denotes a class of tools used in metal forming to shape a workpiece by plastic deformation. Used primarily with presses and dies, Formwerkzeuge create precise contours, flanges, bends, and embossed features without removing material. They play a central role in stamping, deep drawing, bending, and forming operations across industries such as automotive, appliance manufacturing, and consumer electronics.

A typical forming tool set includes stationary and moving components, such as a die and a punch, which cooperate to shape the workpiece. In progressive forming lines, a sequence of forming stations forms multiple features in a single strip. Specialized tools may include draw dies, bending dies, blanking tools, and forming inserts tailored to part geometry and material.

Material and surface treatment are chosen for wear resistance and durability. Common tool steels and carbide are used, often hardened and tempered and finished with coatings (for example, TiN or DLC) to reduce friction. Design considerations include appropriate radii, clearance, and relief angles; lubrication and chip formation influence tool life and part quality. Tolerances are tight, and tooling is matched to press tonnage, feed rate, and material ductility.

Manufacture and maintenance involve precision machining, heat treatment, and sometimes electrical discharge machining. Proper alignment, mounting, and guarding are essential for safe operation. Tooling may be integrated into progressive dies or used as modular inserts in dedicated presses, enabling quick-change capability for different parts.

See also: die (manufacturing), stamping, sheet metal forming, hydroforming.