Tutorials

  • Modeling ×
  • Theory ×
  • Process ×
  • Snagit ×
  • SOLIDWORKS ×

Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 1)

Carlos Bravo
in Modeling
3 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
3 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

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

Solidworks: potted plant

Huy Pham
in Modeling
1 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 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

Solidworks: tree pot

Huy Pham
in Modeling
0 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: spiral bracelet

Huy Pham
in Modeling
0 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 bracelet tutorial solidworks

Solidworks: pot (2)

Huy Pham
in Modeling
0 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 tutoriak solidworks
White Stratasys Logo White GrabCAD Logo
© 2025 Stratasys Inc.
ABOUT US
RESOURCES
Support
SOCIAL
Streamline Pro
Control
Print
Pro
Shop
PARTNERS
COMMUNITY
Contact Us Website Terms of Use Software Terms of Use Privacy policy Trademarks Your Data on GrabCAD
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.