Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts
Applying the Deform feature
Like the Flex feature, the Deform feature changes the shape of the entire model without regard to
parametrics, features, history, or dimensions. Some software packages call this technique global
shape modeling. Also like Flex, Deform works on surface bodies as well as solids. Deform can also
handle imported geometry as well as SolidWorks native parts. Model complexity is not an issue
unless the part runs into itself during deformation.
The Deform feature is also another feature type that you may not use to actually design anything,
but that you may use to show a model in a deformed state.Also, it is a minor point, but if you use the large icons setting, notice that the toolbar icon used for
Deform is the wrong one. The icon used for large icons is the Boundary Cut icon. Just be careful if
you use large icons.Best Practice
Typically, if you want a model to have a certain shape, then you need to intentionally and precisely model it
with that shape. The problem with using deform and flex geometry for actual design data is that they both cre-
ate fairly approximate geometry, and this process yields a result that is not completely intentional. The shape
that you finally achieve is the result of arbitrary uncontrolled function of the feature, not necessarily creating a
shape that you had clearly envisioned beforehand.n
Deform has three types:l (^) Point. This type deforms a portion of the model by pushing a point and the geometry
around it.
l (^) Curve to curve. The most precise and useful deform type, this type selects an existing
edge and forces the edge to match a curve.
l (^) Surface push. This type of deform, while conceptually a very interesting function, is
nearly unusable in practice. The part is deformed into a shape vaguely resembling an
intermediate shape between the existing state of the part and a “tool” body.
Figure 7.61 shows the PropertyManager interface for the Deform feature. The interface is different for
each of the three main types, and also changes, depending on selections within the individual types.
The interface shown is for the Curve to curve type because I believe this to be the most useful type.
Point deform .................................................................................................
The Point deform option enables you to push a point on the model, and the model deforms as if it
were rubber. Figure 7.62 shows the PropertyManager, as well as a before-and-after example of the
Point deform function. The key to using this feature is to ensure that the Deform region option is
unselected. Aside from that, you just have to use trial and error when applying the Point deform
option. The depth, diameter, and shape of the deformation are not very precise. Also, you cannot
specify the precise location for the point to be deformed. Again, this is best used for “looks-like”
models, not production data.