> Parts and Features > Features > Flexes > Flex Examples
Introduction
What's New
Administration
User Interface
SolidWorks Fundamentals
Moving from 2D to 3D
Assemblies
CircuitWorks
Configurations
Design Checker
Design Studies in SolidWorks
Detailing and Drawings
DFMXpress
DriveWorksXpress
FloXpress
Import/Export
Mold Design
Motion Studies
Parts and Features
Overview and Editing Parts
Materials
Multibody Parts
Controlling Parts
Displaying States in Parts
Features
Features Overview
Features Toolbar
Parent and Child Relations
Cutting Tools
SelectionManager
FeatureXpert
Missing Reference Ghosting
Boundary
Chamfers
Curves
Deform
Domes
Drafts
Extrudes
Fastening
FeatureWorks
Fillets
Flexes
Flex Overview and Options
Flex Examples
Freeforms
Holes
Indents
Library Features
Lofts
Patterns and Mirroring
Revolves
Ribs
Scaling
Shells
Surfaces
Sweeps
Thicken
Tools for Features
Wrap
PhotoView 360
PhotoWorks
Routing
Sheet Metal
Simulation
SimulationXpress
Sketching
Sustainability Products
SolidWorks Utilities
Tolerancing
Toolbox
Weldments
Workgroup PDM
Troubleshooting
Glossary
Hide Table of Contents Show Table of Contents

Flex - Examples

Flex features are useful for modifying complex models with predictable, intuitive tools for many applications including concepts, mechanical design, industrial design, stamping dies, molds, and so on. Flex features can change single body or multibody parts.

Flex types include:

  • Bending

  • Twisting

  • Tapering

  • Stretching

For more information about flex feature options, see Flex - Overview and Options.

To modify models using the flex feature:

  1. Click Flex on the Features toolbar, or click Insert, Features, Flex.

  2. In the PropertyManager, under Flex Input, select bodies in the graphics area for Bodies for Flex .

  3. Select a flex type:

  • Bending. Alters bodies around a bend line that corresponds to the X-axis (red arrow) of the triad, using the position of the two trim planes to determine the region of flex. This flex type can be used for many applications including industrial design, mechanical design, solving spring-back conditions in metal stamping, removing undercuts from complex surface shapes, and so on.

The neutral plane of the bend passes through the triad origin and corresponds to the triad’s X-Z plane. The arc length between the trim planes along the neutral plane stays constant throughout the bending operation.

of bending.

  • Twisting. Twists geometry around the Z-axis of the triad.

of twisting.

showing the effect of Hard edges on twisting.

  • Tapering. Tapers models along the Z-axis of the triad.

of tapering.

  • Stretching. Stretches the model along the Z-axis of the triad.

of stretching.

  1. Under Flex Options, move the Flex accuracy slider to control surface quality. Increasing the quality also increases the success rate of the flex feature. For example, if you get an error message, move the slider towards the right. Move the slider only as needed; increasing surface accuracy decreases performance.

  2. Click OK .



Related SolidWorks Forum Content

Provide feedback on this topic

SolidWorks welcomes your feedback concerning the presentation, accuracy, and thoroughness of the documentation. Use the form below to send your comments and suggestions about this topic directly to our documentation team. The documentation team cannot answer technical support questions. Click here for information about technical support.

* Required

 
*Email:  
Subject:   Feedback on Help Topics
Page:   Flex Examples
*Comment:  
x

We have detected you are using a browser version older than Internet Explorer 7. For optimized display, we suggest upgrading your browser to Internet Explorer 7 or newer.

 Never show this message again
x

Web Help Content Version: SolidWorks 2010 SP05

The search functionality within the web help is in a beta test phase and you may experience periodic delays or interruptions in its performance. These are the normal and ordinary features of a beta test and shall not under any circumstances give rise to any liability on the part of DS SolidWorks or its licensors. The topics within the Web-based help are not beta topics; they document SolidWorks 2010 SP05.

To disable Web help from within SolidWorks and use local help instead, click Help > Use SolidWorks Web Help.

To report problems encountered with the Web help interface and search, contact your local support representative. To provide feedback on individual help topics, use the “Feedback on this topic” link on the individual topic page.