Flexures cut using the waterjet cutter



Learned:

• What flexures are and basic design parameters for creating them
• How a flexure can break because of misunderstood design
• How to use the waterjet cutter

I wanted to create a flexure that moved far so I cascaded several 2 support/1 beam flexures. The result
of trying to bend it far showed that most fo the stress is at the root of the flexure and that the leaves
do not take much stress. Below is a picture of the flexure that broke. The waterjet cutter was used to cut
the flexures out of 18 inch aluminum.




The following image is of a second flexure that I waterjetted and didnt have a chance to break.



Here are the files relevant to the flexure:

• Solidworks part files of the flexure