Rectangular/Linear pattern issues with a cut extrusion

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone

I'm trying to create a compliant mechanism to 3D print similar to here. I'm having issues trying to create a rectangular/linear pattern with a cut extrusion, to create the feature that allows the part to flex. In the first photo you can see that where the arrow is pointing is closed, which means I can select that as a feature rather than a face. However, in the second photo the face isn't closed and selects that entire face rather than the small rectangle in the first. The third photo shows what I selected to make the cut.

Closed FaceOpen FaceWhat I extruded/cut

[wmhazzard]

I'm not exactly sure where you want to cut the body but you could model a solid body in the shape of the gap that you want, then use it to cut your main body. That way you will also get the clearance needed to print and work properly. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you, that might be the best way to go about it, I'll have to split the body as well so I don't cut through both parts. I was trying to pattern the cut to have an alternating pattern (that I have circled in the image below) so that the clip can flex to open and close. Open to any ideas/techniques that would enable me to do this.

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

This was built up as separate components then combined at the end:

You can follow the steps in the Timeline.  Note: I added the offsets after extruding the components.  This would have been simpler to do in the sketch. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the solution, I see that your workflow was more suited to this task as well.