On occasion parts are made using a flat stock that is first machined and then formed.
For example. I would like to take a sheet of material machine out several holes and features then drape it over a form. I need data to do the machining in the flat blank and then I need something close to the final product for later use in the assembly.
The deform feature does some localized distortion that doesn't map right to the tool.
for example round plate with a holes machined into it should be able to be draped onto a hemisphere.
You have to make the form and the part that drapes, offset surfaces would work... but it don't look like draping cloth over a ball..