How to Make a Thread in Solidworks
Some models, like screws and water bottles, are not complete without thin strands of fibers known as threads. In SolidWorks, engineers and designers use the three-dimensional CAD software to add threads to any tubular shape. Designers have the option of adding cosmetic threads to inner diameters of holes, or adding helical threads to outer surfaces. Unlike other features, threads are embedded within the parts to which they are attached. Therefore, the visibility, view and dimensions of a thread are dependent on its parent feature.
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Instructions
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Helical Thread
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1
Create a helical thread if you would like the strands visible on the surface's exterior. Create two circles of any dimension centered at the origin in sketch mode on the Top plane. Dimension them 2 mm apart from one another. Select "OK" to exit the sketch.
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2
Create an "Extruded Boss/Base" in feature mode and select a depth of 50 mm. Press "OK" to finish the extrusion.
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3
Pull down the "Insert" tab and select "Reference Geometry-Plane." Click on the top face of the surface. Set the distance to five millimeters in the "Plane PropertyManager." Check the "Reverse direction" box to ensure that your plane lies below the top surface. Press "OK" to exit plane referencing.
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4
Select "Sketch" then click on the outside circle. Pull down the "Tools" menu and choose "Sketch Tools-Offset Entities." Select a distance of five millimeters within the PropertyManager. Check the "Reverse" check box and click the "OK" button.
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5
Pull down the "Insert" Tab and choose "Curve-Helix/Spiral." Check the "Reverse Direction" check box in the "Helix PropertyManager" so that the helix spirals down. Se the pitch to 15 mm, then choose the "Variable Pitch" button. Modify the "Parameters" box to make sure that your parameters match those in the diagram from References 1. Press "OK" to Parameters once you are done modifying.
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6
Enter sketch mode and draw a trapezoid on the right plane near the point where threading begins. Press "Pierce" in the "Properties PropoertyManager" to establish the trapezoid as a profile to the thread path. Press "OK."
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7
Select the trapezoid and click the "Swept Boss/Base" button in the "Features" tab. In the "Sweep PropertyManager," check the "Path" box then select the helical thread. Press "OK" to exit the property manager.
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8
Observe the helical thread on the tubular shape. Click the "Back" button to modify your thread, if necessary.
Cosmetic Thread
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9
Choose the circular edge on a cylindrical feature such as a cut, hole or a boss extrusion where you wish to place the thread.
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Select the "Insert Tab" and choose "Annotations" followed by the "Cosmetic Thread" option.
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Press "OK" to exit. Right-click the threading and select "Edit Feature" to modify your cosmetic thread, if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Cosmetic threads in part documents are automatically viewed in drawing documents.You can also insert thread descriptions that will appear in drawing documents.
