Bending Line

Now reading version 18.0. For the latest, read: Bending Line for version 21
Applies to Altium Designer versions: 18.0 and 18.1

The Bending Line dialog
The Bending Line dialog

Summary

The Bending Line dialog allows you to edit the properties of a bending line. If a region has a layer stack assigned and that stack has the Flex option enabled, then Bending Lines can be placed across that region. Each Bending Line has a radius, bend angle, and an affected area width property, allowing them to be displayed in their folded state as they would be in a real-world situation.

Access

The dialog can be accessed in the following ways:

  • Ensure you are in Board Planning Mode (View » Board Planning Mode). Click Design » Define Bending Line. Place the resulting crosshair in the desired location then press the Tab key.
  • Right-click on a placed Bending Line then select Properties from the context menu.

Options/Controls

  • Bending Angle - the angle that the surface of the flex region is to bend.
  • Radius - the distance away from the bend surface that the bending center-point is located.
  • Affected area width - the width of surface area that will be bent for the given Radius and Bending Angle.

When one of the first three properties are edited/changed, the other two properties are calculated and updated automatically. Note that each Bending Line's Affected area width is displayed on the board in dark yellow.

  • Fold Index - define the degree to which the board can be folded at the bending line when the Fold State slider in the PCB panel Layer Stack Region mode under the Bending Lines region is used.
Note

The features available depend on your level of Altium Designer Software Subscription.