Intro for Flecte Communications (European Version)

As of Version 4.5, Build 1956, released June 16, 2026, VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER support Flecte bender communications.   This communications protocol is designed for the European version of the Flecte control.  (The US version of the Flecte bender uses the BendPro control, which uses the Supravision Network protocol.)

Sending a New Part with VTube-STEP

Use VTube-STEP to import tube models and then export new tube data to the Flecte control. The output is a semicolon-delimited file that contains the bender data. Output the file to any thumb drive or network location, then use the Flecte control to import the new file.

There are two ways to export the Flecte - TXT file from VTube-STEP.

METHOD 1: The VTube-STEP Export menu has the Flecte - TXT button for exporting the file.

METHOD 2: Use the Bender Output menu to send data to the Flecte bender.

If you use this menu to output to the Flecte bender, then it is necessary to first configure the Benderlink setup grid so that one of the benders in the grid is the Flecte - TXT protocol.

Correcting the Flecte Bender with VTube-LASER

VTube-LASER can send new MASTER data or MEASURED data for corrections to the Flecte control. 

Use the Bender Setup menu in VTube-LASER to communicate with the Flecte control.

When you select a Flecte - TXT protocol-controlled bender in the Bender Channel, VTube-LASER's Bender Setup screen will show the Flecte bender image and change the Send and Correct buttons to use the Flecte protocol.

How to Use the Bender Setup Accordion Menu (right side of the screen)

In the accordion menu on the right, the “Send New Bender Data” panel will show buttons work with this communications protocol - like "SEND External MASTER LRA Data as NEW DATA" button. This will allow you to send new MASTER data (from outside this screen) to the Flecte control.
In the “Correct the Bender” panel, you can send MEASURED LRA (bender) data to the Flecte to correct the bender.   Follow these steps to correct the bender:   1 Bend the part 2 Measure the part 3 Enter the Bender Setup menu and press the SEND button. 4 Import the file into the Flecte control to adjust the part

Communications Help Dialog - Sending Only Measured Data for Corrections

Press the information button to the right of the send button to read more about this correction protocol.

Benderlink Grid Configuration for the Flecte - TXT  Protocol

To set a bender channel as a Flecte bender, enter the Configure Benderlink Protocols menu in the accordion menu.
Choose the Bender Channel row to change to the Flecte - TXT format. Click on the dropdown box in the Protocol column.
Change the protocol to Flecte TXT.
Change the network path to the folder that is shared with the bender control.
If positive rotations are CLOCKWISE when standing in front of the bender (looking at the bend die), then set that switch here. (Note: Most European benders using the CLOCKWISE=Positive rule.)
Close the window.
Change the Bender Channel to the number you configured in the grid.  You are ready for communications.

How to Import at the Flecte Control

Importing at the Flecte control is very simple.  Two buttons in the toolbar control the import of new nominal LRA data (for initial configuration) or measured LRA data (for correction).

Import Nominal to the Flecte   Press the PART Management button. Press the Nominal Import button.
Import Measured to Flecte for Corrections   Press the PART Management button. Press the import measured data button.

How to Configure the Flecte Control for Correction Communications

Use the gear button to enter the Options screen.

For example, if a nominal bend angle is 90 degrees, then the Flecte would allow for a maximum 4.5-degree adjustment.  (90 x 0.05 = 4.5 degrees)

Use a Standard Network Connection

To make a network connection through Windows, configure the VTube computer to connect to the path in the Input path field using standard network sharing. You can use cable or WiFi.

How to Contact Flecte

Flecte Tube Bending Address: Via Dell'Artigianato, 21 - 25039 Travagliato (Bs) Website: https://www.flecte.com/en Email: info@flecte.com Phone:  +39 030 0985336