Cutting external threads

[mckeand13]

I was wondering if there was something as simple as "Hole Wizard" available for showing external threads on a part?

Currently, I add a helix to the portion that I want to show threads on. Then I sketch the triangle made by one thread using 60deg, and the minor and major diameters. I then finish it by making a sweep-cut using the helix and sketch.

Any better ideas?

 

[SBaugh]

If you want true threads that's it. But with true threads your going to run into Perfromance issues as use them. Helixes are Memory hogs. The best way is to use fake threads. -

http://www.scottjbaugh.com/Design_Portfolio/Types of Threads.zip

Here is a part that consists of 2 different configs.

One represents Threads with a helix, plus a runout. The other Configuration represents fake threads by doing a cut-revolve and then Linear patterning it.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[MElam]

If all you want is the thread texture like the hole wizard adds, you can do this for external threads.

Go to Insert, Annotations, Cosmetic Thread...

 

[SBaugh]

Textures are great for Parts and Assemblies, but they don't show up in Drawings.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[MadMango]

Generally, if it's a standard thread for hardware, I won't bother to model it, just use Cosemtic Threads. But if it's a custom size (like 2 1/2-20 UNR) then I'll eat the performance lag and model the threads.

Ray Reynolds
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[SBaugh]

Why not Fake them for better performance? Or make two configs and use the true Threads configs when needed.

e.g. Drawings

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

If you are in the SW Forum Check out the FAQ section

To make the Best of Eng-Tips Forums FAQ731-376

 

[mckeand13]

Thanks for the ideas! I like the "faking" by creating one revolve and patterning it.

 

[MadMango]

[blue]SBaugh[/blue], the situation doesn't come up that often, but I am going to try to remember to use configs next time.

Ray Reynolds
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[Spurs]

The original idea of creating a triangle with connections to the major and minor diameters is problematic.

When you sketch these diameters you think that they are ok. But when you exrude the model thru a helix, and then remeasure these diameters, you will find they are no longer accurate. - No idea why - it just is!

 

[mckeand13]

I'm not looking for anything exact, I just want to show that the threads are there.

I give the thread a callout on the drawing to note exactly what it is.