Frequently asked questions

Yes. Para-Flex is designed around an integrated IronCAD workflow.

Cutting lists, purchase lists, sheet optimizations, production reports and CNC output.

Para-Flex is software for automating work preparation and production workflows within IronCAD.

The Para-Flex Academy contains documentation for the complete workflow.

In Support Mode (see above) Para-Flex offers a function called Rotate 180 degrees . The button for this will be visible on the Shop Floor toobar, and rotates the selected parts from back to front before generating the STEP files for the CNC process. Meaning that the top becomes the bottom and vice versa. By default, the top surface is determined by the part’s extrusion direction. More information about the top or bottom side of a panel, and how to recognize, can be found in the Basics-section.

The rotation switch can only be applied to parts linked to the process of CNC. On top of that, the status of this switch is saved in the part properties, so switching off cutting or CNC processes won’t delete this preset.

Yes. CAM functionality is available for supported CNC workflows.

Para-Flex offers several ways to add overlength, depending on where and how the extra material is required. Overlength can be applied per edge, per material, as a default for all parts, or to individual selected parts.

The options below explain the different methods and when they can be used.

Add overlength per edge using edge banding
Use the edge banding functionality when overlength needs to be defined for specific edges of a part.
Further explanation to be added.

Set a fixed overlength for edge banding material
When calculating the required length of edge banding, Para-Flex can add a fixed amount of extra material. This helps ensure that the calculated edge band length includes sufficient material at both ends.
Go to Options > Settings > Optimize and find Edgeband Fixed Overlength.

Set a default overlength for parts
Para-Flex can automatically add a fixed overlength when calculating the cutting dimensions of parts.
This setting can also be applied conditionally based on the minimum length and width or the minimum surface area of a part.
Go to Options > Settings > Para-Flex and find Fixed overdimensions for parts (mm).

Add overlength to an individual part
Use the Property Grid when overlength needs to be adjusted for a specific selected part rather than applied as a general setting.
Further explanation to be added.

Set a default overlength for laminated parts
Para-Flex can also use a default overlength for parts that are processed with laminate.
Further explanation to be added.

Tip: Choose between Net and Gross dimensions
When exporting data or using Optimize, make sure you select the appropriate Net or Gross dimensions.
This determines whether the dimensions before or after applying overlength are used in the relevant output.
Further explanation to be added.

Tip: Using overlength with CAM Export
Overlength can also affect the dimensions used during the CAM export workflow.
Further explanation to be added.

Rabbet joints and cut-outs can be drawn freely in IronCAD. The resulting shape will be included in the CNC output.

For clean rabbet cuts, it is recommended to draw the cut-out shape slightly larger than the panel itself. For example, you can use an offset in the cross section of the shape.

In the example below, the cut-out shape extends 2 mm beyond the panel edges.

Support Mode enables additional Para-Flex functions and provides more detailed information about the current 3D model.

It is mainly used for troubleshooting and support purposes. In most cases, Para-Flex support will enable Support Mode when needed.

If you need access to Support Mode or want more information, please contact the support desk.

Yes. The Data Grid layout, also called the Tree Layout, can be backed up and transferred to another PC.

Para-Flex saves the layout when closing. After changing the Data Grid layout, we recommend restarting Para-Flex so the latest layout is stored correctly.

Using Support Mode, you can easily import or export Tree Layouts.

The layout is stored in: %AppData%\DynfosAddIn\ParaFlex\Layout\TreeLayout.xml

You can also copy this file manually. Keep in mind that it contains monitor settings, so differences in resolution, scaling or monitor position may affect the layout.

Using older layout files

Para-Flex 26.6.3.02 or higher uses an updated Tree Layout format.

If you want to use an older layout file:

1. Close Para-Flex.
2. Back up the current TreeLayout.xml.
3. Copy the older layout file into the Layout folder.
4. Rename it to TreeLayout.xml if needed.
5. Start Para-Flex again.

Para-Flex will automatically convert the file to the latest format.

If Para-Flex does not show the expected Pro or CAM functions, first check whether the correct Para-Flex activation is active.

1. Check the current Para-Flex activation in the top bar.
2. If the correct activation is shown, go to Options > Settings and open the Para-Flex tab.
3. Check whether Enable Para-Flex Pro integration is switched on.
   

After changing this setting, click Apply and restart Para-Flex.

If the Pro or CAM functions are still unavailable, please contact the support desk.

The available Para-Flex functions depend on your Para-Flex add-in activation, for example Start, Pro or CAM. Your active add-in activation is shown in the top bar of Para-Flex.

You can find an overview of the differences between the available Para-Flex activations here.

If the add-in activation seems incorrect

If expected functions are missing, first check which Para-Flex activation is shown in the top bar. After an update or reinstall, it may be necessary to copy the activation file manually.

The activation file is: OKEParaflex.lic

Copy it to: C:\Program Files\IronCAD*IronCAD Version\bin\DynfosAddin\Common*

Existing activation files may be overwritten.

Activation files are linked to the PC hostname, so make sure you use the activation file provided for the correct computer.

After restarting Para-Flex, the top bar should show the correct activation, such as Para-Flex Pro or Para-Flex CAM.

Pro functions still unavailable?

If the correct Para-Flex activation is shown but Pro functionality is still unavailable, check the Pro Integration setting in Para-Flex Settings.