I've been looking for answers to my question, on if i can use Flex to open this ring, if not, maybe i should model it open with configs any thoughts? I've not had much experience with the flex command. But so far i've not been able to get this to flex open. Any suggestions. I am looking to make this out of nylon, it'll be molded as open, and be a flexible clamp that can close around a foam hose.
Hi Adam,
I don't think flex will do this. I use flex often for bending lasercut tubes. In your part however the end faces of the flex command determining the part with a specified radius would need to pass each other. This because your model overlaps at the connection. Don't think flex can do that. I think you need to use two configs: curved like you've done and straight for molding. You can use equations between those two if that makes it easier to avoid differences. And then suppress respective features in the tree.
Adam,.. the best I came up with for now is to split the ring and deform (curve/curve) both halves...
Another way: create two bodies: open and closed versions.
Configure bodies (suppress/usuppress) to represent both.
I don't have much experience with the flex tool so I don't know if that is the best approach or not. If you are just looking for a close representation of what the part will look like when flexed, why not just create a helix and use it to sweep the profile?