topic How to create custom fastener group for holes? in Inventor Forum

How to create custom fastener group for holes?

WillL84 — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:16:08 GMT

So We use a lot of 3D printed parts and use a lot of heat-set inserts. These inserts have their own required hole sizes and depths, naturally. Could I create a fastener family of these inserts and be able to just select the family from the hole drop-down when creating a hole?

Re: How to create custom fastener group for holes?

CGBenner — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:05:19 GMT

@WillL84

Hi, I don't think these could be inserted during Hole creation, it seems like these would need to be added after creating the hole, like a standard fastener. Are you trying to figure out a way to do this in the Part, rather than in an Assembly?

Re: How to create custom fastener group for holes?

WillL84 — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:30:35 GMT

I'm not looking to put the insert itself into the part, just the proper hole size for it. Like if I make a hole for a countersunk fastener let's say, I pick the fastener size and it makes the hole with the proper thread clearance size, head clearance size and head depth.

I want to do the same thing, but use a library with values I'll populate myself in a table or whatever. So I'd pick "Threaded insert" from the "Type" drop-down, then "#10" from "Size", then "10-32 x 1/4" from "Designation" for instance and it would make a hole .250" diameter, .260" deep (the countersunk part if I were using a socket-head bolt) with a 10-32 clearance hole under it with a selectable depth like a normal hole.

Can I add an XML or CSV with a new "Type" for this? Like a custom library?

Re: How to create custom fastener group for holes?

swalton — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:44:43 GMT

Take a look at the Threads and Clearance.xls file in your Design Data folder. It may be possible to copy one of the default sheets and modify it to make the holes that you want. Make sure to make a backup of the original file before making any changes...

Re: How to create custom fastener group for holes?

dave.cutting — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:10:50 GMT

You could you the hole presets function, and save each of you holes in there.

You can then pick them from the drop down.

Re: How to create custom fastener group for holes?

WillL84 — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:39:29 GMT

Thank you! That took time but it worked great. I also updated the head diameters on ANSI flat head screws, they were all too small for the actual screws we buy from McMaster.

I've attached my XLSX sheet for anyone who wants it, it seems to work great for the few holes I've tried so far. The insert dimensions are all from inserts that McMaster sells: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/inserts-for-plastics/threaded-insert-type~heat-set/