A flexible component is defined as a part that is displayed in different geometric representations and can be included in an assembly in its various states. With flexible component functionality, designers can create a variation of a part to represent its assembly state without modifying it; therefore part number and quantity in the bill of material remain correct. Subassemblies can be made flexible, too.
The varied items that define flexibility are set in the original model. The component name, geometry, and construction remain the same in both the original model and in the flexible model placed in the assembly. The original part has properties that are shared by all instances of the flexible models placed in the assembly. The varied items are individually assigned values for each instance of the part in the assembly.
The following varied items can be defined in a model for that component to be flexible:
- Dimensions
- Geometric Tolerances
- Parameters (numeric values)
- Features (suppress and resume feature states)
- Surface Finishes
- Components (available when setting flexibility in subassemblies)
It is notable that using flexible components will increase the size of the assembly file by approximately the size of the flexible model file.
Additionally, component interfaces can be defined for the model in order to automate its placement in the assembly.
Both flexible components and component interface functionality are taught in our Creo Advanced Assembly Design and Management course.
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