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Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 6)

Carlos Bravo
in Modeling
6 1 Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: 🔗 https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-5-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCAD’s community policies, it has been flagged as “tainted due to a violation of community guidelines” and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed directly. 🛠️ About this Variant This version features somewhat triangular leaves that slide against each other. The mechanism operates through two plates: A base plate with straight linear guides, which define the opening/closing position of each leaf A driving plate with curved slots, which actuate the iris motion through controlled displacement This model is a schematic representation, so any manufacturing considerations—such as tolerances between pins and slots—are left to the discretion of the designer using this as a starting point. ⚙️ Notes Be sure to open the assembly file, as the parts are dimensionally linked to the assembly (parametric relationships are defined there). Feel free to use or modify this model however you'd like. (Let’s hope GrabCAD doesn’t flag this one again 😅)
SOLIDWORKS parametric mechanism equations

Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 5)

Carlos Bravo
in Modeling
5 0 Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: 🔗 https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-3-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCAD’s community guidelines, it has been flagged as “tainted due to a violation of community guidelines” and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed via direct link. 🛠️ About this Variant In this version, the actuation is achieved by rotating the driving plate. This plate interacts with slots (guides) on each leaf, which in turn execute the opening or closing of the iris. The mechanism has been successfully tested with 4 to 7 leaves, though I do not recommend using only 4, as the slot approaches too close to the edge of the plate. Suggested maximum opening angles (r_max) are: 4 leaves → up to 45° 5–6 leaves → around 40° to 35° 7 leaves → up to 30° Please review the model carefully and test parameters cautiously before applying them in a final design. ⚙️ Notes Open the full assembly file, as part dimensions and parameters are linked directly to it via parametric references. Feel free to use or modify this model as you see fit. (And fingers crossed GrabCAD doesn’t report it again 😅)
SOLIDWORKS mechanism parametric equations

Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 1)

Carlos Bravo
in Modeling
4 1 Intermediate
This is another variant from my Iris Mechanism Series, which I originally started designing back during the pandemic—and now, after several years, it receives a much-needed update. The original model I uploaded a few years ago was: 👉 https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-1-1 However, it was unfortunately marked as "tainted due to a violation of community guidelines" by GrabCAD. This variant uses flexible overlapping blades, inspired in part by this post: 🔗 https://www.instructables.com/Mechanical-Iris-Card-Improved/ In this design: - The number of blades is calculated automatically based on the thickness of the base plate. - There are a few geometric constraints: the inner radius must be smaller than the outer radius, and the maximum supported configuration is when the outer radius is exactly twice the inner radius. The blade shape provided is just a draft, so feel free to customize it to your needs. Use the sketch as a starting point, and modify it to suit your aesthetic or functional goals. ⚠ Note: Be sure to open the full assembly, as all blade dimensions and positions are driven by equations and references from the assembly itself. Feel free to use or adapt this model however you like! (And hopefully, GrabCAD won’t flag this one again 😅)
SOLIDWORKS mechanism equation parametric

Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 2)

Carlos Bravo
in Modeling
4 0 Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: 🔗 https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-2-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCAD’s community policies, it has been flagged as “tainted due to a violation of community guidelines” and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed directly. 🛠️ About this Variant This version features flexible leaves that overlap each other and are inspired by this YouTube post: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkaN07fCG3w Unlike other iris designs with rigid pivots or sliding slots, this variant proposes a softer, layered motion between blades. The number of leaves is calculated automatically depending on the dimensions of the mechanism, particularly the inner and outer radius. This model includes three different configurations, each with a distinct leaf width (r_ext_blade). The shape of each leaf is defined by a sketch that can be easily modified to suit your application. Each leaf requires two pivot points: - One at the base, to enable revolute rotation - Another at the tip, to connect with a sliding mechanism (a slotted guide or equivalent linkage) 🔁 Important: Due to how SolidWorks handles the blade instances in the assembly, they don’t appear in their final stacked order. Make sure to assemble them physically following the correct sequence for proper motion. ⚙️ Notes Be sure to open the assembly file, as the parts are dimensionally linked to the assembly (parametric relationships are defined there). Feel free to use or modify this model however you'd like. (Let’s hope GrabCAD doesn’t flag this one again 😅)
SOLIDWORKS equiation parametric mechanism

3D Spiner Design

soroosh mohammadi
in Modeling
3 0 Beginner
In this comprehensive tutorial, you will learn step-by-step how to design an engaging and functional 3D spinner in SOLIDWORKS. This guide is perfect for beginners and covers all stages, including modeling individual components, assembly, and key tips for preparing your file for 3D printing. By following this tutorial, you can design your own personalized spinner and enhance your SOLIDWORKS modeling skills. This project is an excellent way to get acquainted with both basic and advanced SOLIDWORKS tools, helping you bring your ideas to life." Tags (up to 8, separate with commas): fidget spinner, 3D printing, CAD, design, tutorial, SOLIDWORKS, modeling, assembly, toy, stress relief, product design https://youtu.be/VkPi63mExfY?si=NbpxD-Vt5JfVRR-J
SOLIDWORKS solidworks tutorial design cad 3d printing fidget spinner

SolidWorks Tutorial | Exercise 14 | SolidWorks 3D Part Drawing Tutorial | CAD Institute

Asim Khan
in Modeling
2 0 Beginner
Welcome to Exercise 14 of the SolidWorks Tutorial Series by CAD Institute! In this video, we’ll walk through the complete step-by-step process of creating a 3D part using basic SolidWorks tools such as sketching, extrude, mirror, offset, trim, and more. This tutorial is perfect for beginners and intermediate users who want to practice real-world mechanical modeling techniques. ✅ What you'll learn in this exercise: How to create and manage 2D sketches Using extrude features and setting dimensions Applying mirror, offset, and trim entities Working with construction geometry Applying appearances and materials This part is designed using simple circles, lines, and geometric constraints. It helps improve your sketching and modeling confidence in SolidWorks.
SOLIDWORKS

Solidworks: practice exercises (41)

Huy Pham
in Modeling
2 0 Beginner
I hope this video useful for everyone want to become professional design of engineer I have a channel in youtube about CAD 3D, I hope this useful for you: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Zp8rsvtI01SnhkM_4FAw
SOLIDWORKS exercise tutorial solidworks

Solidworks: potted plant

Huy Pham
in Modeling
2 0 Beginner
I hope this video useful for everyone want to become professional design of engineer I have a channel in youtube about CAD 3D, I hope this useful for you: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Zp8rsvtI01SnhkM_4FAw
SOLIDWORKS pot tutorial solidworks

SolidWorks | How to Create an Extrusion not Normal to sketch Plane

Mohamed Hedi Kasraoui - The Savvy Engineer
in Modeling
1 1 Beginner
SolidWorks | How to Create an Extrusion not Normal to sketch Plane (2025)
SOLIDWORKS extrusion solidworks

Spiky Ball

Sajad Filabi
in Modeling
1 0 Expert
using different techniques to model the spiky ball and cage
SOLIDWORKS

SolidWorks | How to Create a Swept Boss (2025)

Mohamed Hedi Kasraoui - The Savvy Engineer
in Modeling
1 0 Beginner
SolidWorks | How to Create a Swept Boss (2025)
SOLIDWORKS create a swept boss swept boss solidworks

ARANDELA MECHANİSM TUTORİAL

FarmMach Pro
in Modeling
1 1 Beginner
ARANDELA MECHANİSM TUTORİAL Desing
SOLIDWORKS cad caddesign catia solidwork

SolidWorks | How to Create a Pocket Not Normal to Sketch Plane

Mohamed Hedi Kasraoui - The Savvy Engineer
in Modeling
1 0 Beginner
SolidWorks | How to Create a Pocket Not Normal to Sketch Plane
SOLIDWORKS pocket not normal to sketch plane pocket solidworks

Design Core and Cavity

Edwin Rodriguez
in Modeling
0 0 Intermediate
Tutorial to create the inserts core and cavity of a mold in spanish.
SOLIDWORKS

What's New in SolidWorks 2026

Ali Nasser
in Modeling
0 0 Intermediate
SolidWorks 2026, SolidWorks new features, what's new in SolidWorks, SolidWorks update, SolidWorks 2026 review, SolidWorks tips, CAD software, 3D design software, SolidWorks tutorial, mechanical design, SolidWorks improvements, SolidWorks UI 2026, SolidWorks multi monitor, CAD 2026, SolidWorks drawing tabs, SolidWorks FeatureManager, SolidWorks interface 2026, new in SolidWorks, SolidWorks enhancements, SolidWorks 2026 overview
SOLIDWORKS whats new in soli solidworks new features solidworks 2026
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The Computer-Aided Design ("CAD") files and all associated content posted to this website are created, uploaded, managed and owned by third-party users. Each CAD and any associated text, image or data is in no way sponsored by or affiliated with any company, organization or real-world item, product, or good it may purport to portray.