Flex Feature

[rfus]

I have been attempting to use the flex feature and find that at times it works, but surfaces will later disappear, or it has crazy results. I try it in scenarios on manifold surfaces where G1 continuity should be satisfied. It seems as though SW is almost at the point where they have the ability to manipulate NURBS primitives and surfaces, but not quite there. I have been doing advanced surface modeling using fills, sweeps, and lofts with 3D and 2D sketches for handheld consumer products. I'm trying to add the flex feature as another arrow to the quiver, but it seems to not be consistent.

Has anyone had any success with this feature on anything other than adding a bend to a toothbrush?

 

[PlasticFantastic]

Flex is still a little clunky but I have foubd it to be reasonably predictable. It would be nice to just specify one end as fixed and push and pull the other.
I have had some luck consistently modelling surfaces that peel away (hoods and scallops)with the flex feature. Could be a very powerful modeling tool. Stil in the nascent stage though

I use three flexes here- Bend, stretch and taper

http://img45.echo.cx/img45/7223/flex0ii.gif