At SolidWorks World 2003, a fully integrated tool for developing optimal blank shapes for complex sheet metal designs will reduce the number of trials in the prove-out stage.

Powerful blank shape development introduced At SolidWorks World 2003, Forming Technologies, (FTI) a leading developer of software for design and simulation of sheet metal components, announces the worldwide release of BlankWorks V2.1. BlankWorks provides SolidWorks software users with a fully integrated tool for developing optimal blank shapes for complex sheet metal designs. 'BlankWorks is experiencing unprecedented deployment success,' said Dan Marinac, director of business development at FTI.

'The standalone version, FASTBLANK, is already the world's most popular blank development tool in the industry.

With the availability of FASTBLANK's functionality tightly integrated into the SolidWorks environment, we expect BlankWorks to be a strategic part of SolidWorks penetration into the tool and die industry.' BlankWorks substantially improves formability and product quality, and consistently reduces material costs and the number of trials in the prove-out stage.

In addition to blank development, BlankWorks also provides a contour plot indicating the thickening and thinning that results from the forming process.

It accounts for material stretch and deformation as well as bending and can flatten any SolidWorks geometry.

This tool can be used to assess the feasibility of a part for manufacturing.

'Die designers, tooling engineers, and estimators will benefit most from a single-window interface that lets them quickly generate accurate blank shapes directly within the SolidWorks environment,' says Brian Houle, manager of SolidWorks Partner Program.

'SolidWorks Corporation is the only 3D mechanical design software vendor that guarantees its Certified Gold Products provide single-window integration and associativity, and the requirement that all products undergo a rigorous certification testing process.' BlankWorks has been driven by customer feedback and is part of FTI's commitment to deliver a suite of software to analyze product cost, formability, die design and process feasibility.

BlankWorks is available for download at www.forming.com.

About SolidWorks Corporation - SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault SystŠmes S.A.

(Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets mechanical design software solutions.

Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development.

In seven years of delivering product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 213,000 total seats of software worldwide.

SolidWorks has offices around the globe and sells, distributes, and supports its products through a worldwide network of resellers.

For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call +1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

About Forming Technologies - Forming Technologies Incorporated is the world's leading developer of computer aided engineering software for design and simulation of sheet metal components.

FTI has developed a suite of software to analyze product cost, formability, die design and process feasibility.

For the past 15 years, FTI has provided OEMs and suppliers in the automotive, aerospace and appliance industries with innovative software and training solutions designed to reduce development time and material costs.

FTI and its global network of partners provide sales and technical support to customers in more than 30 countries.