Device and method for finishworking of a forming tool for an auto body sheet metal part

An apparatus for reforming at least one of a plurality of forming surfaces of a set of forming tools of a machine operable in press-forming sheet metal parts, comprising:

• means for optically scanning said forming surfaces following the insertion of a sheet provided with a transferable marking substance on at least one side of said sheet, between said forming surfaces, and the closing of said set of forming tools so as to impart said marking substance on portions of said forming surfaces;
• means responsive to reflected optical signals generated by said scanning means for mapping marking substances imparted on said forming surfaces;
• and
• means for guiding a tool for removing marked portions of said forming surfaces designated by said mapping means;
• wherein said tool guiding means includes a robot, and
• wherein said optical scanning means includes means for illuminating said forming surfaces and includes a digital camera for detecting illumination emanating from said marked substance, mounted on said robot.