Flex PCB Model

Create a flex PCB model by enclosing existing parts:

1. While in a Part Studio, click the Flex PCB model icon ( ) on the Feature toolbar.

   

2. Select the type of Flex PCB model operation: Convert.
3. Select the parts and surfaces to convert.
4. Select the faces to exclude from the operation.
5. Select the edges or cylinders to create bends; edges not selected are made into rips or, in the case of arcs and splines, are made into tangent joints.
6. Specify applicable options:
   1. Clearance from input - The relative offset between the flex PCB and the part selected to be enclosed by the flex PCB.
   2. Include bends - Check this to include the bend within the clearance value.
   3. Keep input parts - Keep the selected parts (enclosed by the flex PCB) or not.
   4. Thickness - The thickness of the flex PCB. Click the Opposite direction arrow icon () to flip the flex PCB to the other side.
   5. Bend radius - Sets the inside radius of the bends created.
   6. Flip direction up - Reverses the orientation of the flex PCB model and flat view. This is useful when defining whether bends are up or down, relative to the model.
7. Click the checkmark icon ( ) to accept the feature; the Flex PCB model is listed in the Features list.
8. Apply any other specific flex PCB features now (for example, bend, joint, or hem).
9. Click Finish flex PCB model and continue with the steps, as outlined in Creating a rigid-flex PCB for export to an IDX file.

Create a flex PCB model by extruding sketch curves:

1. While in a Part Studio, click the Flex PCB model icon ( ).

   

2. Select the type of Flex PCB model operation: Extrude.
3. Select the sketch curves to extrude.
4. Select the Arcs to extrude as bends.
5. Specify applicable options:
   1. End type - Select one of the following options: Blind, Up to next, Up to face, Up to part, Up to vertex. Click the Opposite direction arrow icon () to flip the end direction.
   2. Depth - Drag or set the depth numerically.
   3. Symmetric - Select this option, available for Blind end types only, to a specified total distance, half the distance in both directions about the sketch plane.
   4. Second end position - Check to extrude in a second end position about the sketch plane.

      Extruding in a second end position offers all the same end conditions and a separate depth field, as well as the option to create a draft (with the sketch plane as the neutral plane) and flip the draft in the opposite direction.

   5. Thickness - The thickness of the flex PCB. Click the Opposite direction arrow icon () to flip the flex PCB to the other side.
   6. Bend radius - Sets the inside radius of the bends created.
   7. Flip direction up - Check to reverse the orientation of the flex PCB model and flat view. This is useful when defining whether bends are up or down, relative to the model.
6. Click the checkmark icon ( ) to accept the feature; the Flex PCB model is listed in the Features list.
7. Apply any other specific flex PCB features now (for example, bend, joint, or hem).
8. Click Finish flex PCB model and continue with the steps, as outlined in Creating a rigid-flex PCB for export to an IDX file.

Create a sheet metal model by thickening faces, surfaces or sketch regions:

1. While in a Part Studio, click the Flex PCB model icon ( ).

   

2. Select the type of flex PCB model operation: Thicken
3. Select the faces or sketch regions to thicken.
4. Check Tangent propagation to extend the flex PCB zones to surrounding edges.
5. Select the edges or cylinders to create bends; edges not selected are made into rips or, in the case of arcs and splines, are made into tangent joints.
6. Specify applicable options:
   1. Clearance from input - The relative offset between the flex PCB and the part selected to be enclosed by the flex PCB
   2. Include bends - Check to include the clearance for bends.
   3. Thickness - The thickness of the flex PCB. Click the Opposite direction arrow icon () to flip the flex PCB to the other side.
   4. Bend radius - Sets the inside radius of the bends created.
   5. Flip direction up - Check to reverse the orientation of the flex PCB model and flat view. This is useful when defining whether bends are up or down, relative to the model.
7. Click the checkmark icon ( ) to accept the feature; the Flex PCB model is listed in the Features list.
8. Apply any other specific flex PCB features now (for example, bend, joint, or hem).
9. Click Finish flex PCB model and continue with the steps, as outlined in Creating a rigid-flex PCB for export to an IDX file.