SolidWorks Flexible Sub-assembly (2 ways)
Most of us find it boring to keep repeating the same mates between the same parts within large assemblies, so we make "Sub-assembly" files to work with. But unfortunately, the default configuration for ALL sub-assemblies makes them "rigid"; as if they were a single part.
Here we'll know how to make them "flexible", and in the easiest way possible.
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Step 1: Right click
Just right click on the desired sub-assembly.
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Step 2: Component Properties
Now choose component properties.
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Step 3: Flex your Sub-assembly
In the dialog box, under Solve as, select Flexible, then click OK.
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Step 4: Easy way (just one step)
Right click on the desired sub-assembly, then select "Make Subassembly Flexible".
Easy, isn't it?
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Step 5: Not a real step
But how can we differentiate between rigid and flexible sub-assemblies?
Are we supposed to open each one's component properties, or right click on each of them?
The answer is simple, rigid sub-assemblies have this icon before them (in the FeatureManager Design Tree)
While Flexible sub-assemblies have this icon
Only one exception to this "answer", sub-assemblies have the flexible icon while they are rigid when first imported. They don't have the rigid icon unless been toggled between the two configurations before. (Yeah, stupid glitch)
