topic Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file in Inventor Forum

Make thread - missing in *.STL file

steenH797P — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:01:46 GMT

HI.

Inventor 2016

If I create a "Hole" and after make thread, the thread don't be export to the *.STL fil.

I have true to use "coolOrange threadModeler", but but can not figure it out, because the video that shows how to do does not match what I see in Inventor.

Maybe I need a better turorial to show exactly in Inventor 2016, how "coolOrange threadModeler" works in Inventor 2016?

How can I make thread in Inventor 2016 and then export it to a *STL file ?

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

mcgyvr — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:10:58 GMT

Threads created with the thread/hole tools in Inventor are just cosmetic images applied to that face and are not true modeled surfaces as you have found out..

In general a 3d printed thread isn't going to work with typical thread geometry either so many times you need to physically model a thread profile (by sweeping a profile along a coil)..Thats also what the cool orange tool does and last I remembered it was really darn easy to use but didn't really produce a thread form that could be 3d printed reliably..

I personally would recommend modeling the threads yourself as stated above (sweep profile along a coil)..

I'll see if I can find a video/tutorial of that..

But you will need to modify this thread profile on both parts to adapt for accuracy/precision issues/material sag/flow associated with 3d printing..

In the past I've either use a tap or a thread forming screw when I needed threads in a 3d printed part or use a design that negates the need for such..

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

mcgyvr — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:14:49 GMT

Found this which I think shows how to use the coolorange tool..

http://blogs.autodesk.com/inventor/2016/08/30/convert-fake-threads-to-real-threads/

First video I found about modeling threads..

I didn't scan it for accuracy but just glanced at it and I think it covers the basics..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tdDkYQxrew

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

steenH797P — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:53:28 GMT

Have you make objects with thread ?

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

mcgyvr — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 16:58:17 GMT

@steenH797P wrote:

Have you make objects with thread ?

I have... a few times..

In general I avoid threaded features in 3d printed parts..

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

kelly.young — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:47:08 GMT

Hello @steenH797P coolOrange identifies the Visual Thread and creates a Coil Cut to the desired size.

You can make the threads larger so the printer can make them more accurately. As long as they are mates to each other you can create your own custom threads.

It helps to make an additional chamfer on the edges. You can do this from the mid plane using Revolve Cut.

Hope that helps!

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

JDMather — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:01:56 GMT

I have 3D printed many threads.

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

JDMather — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:02:34 GMT

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

hibeyup — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 07:18:16 GMT

I downloaded and installed Inventor 2026 to see if this feature had been added, but it still can't cut screw threads. How hard could that be? Why bother with a lengthy machining process for each hole? Couldn't it have a thread module like Solidworks and other programs?

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

dan_inv09 — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:22:44 GMT

Actual cut screw threads on everything would make the files huge and trying to load even a modest assembly with them all would melt your PC.

Are you trying to say that SolidWorks can actually handle more than 20 or 30 parts with the threads actually modeled?

(From what I could find, SolidWorks does also have cosmetic threads.)

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

kimberly_moralesA2V2W — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:51:30 GMT

12/2025 still works on Inventor 2026. Goat response

Re: Make thread - missing in *.STL file

SharkDesign — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:43:14 GMT

If you are desperate to see actual cut threads, Fusion can do it. Send your geometry to Fusion, create the thread and then 3D print it.

As said before, cut threads are completely unnecessary beyond 3D printing and would destroy large model performance.