Please add helicoil options in threading feature

[peteGCAB6]

Hi,

We do a lot of products with helicoils, and it would be very handy if there was a helicoil option when creating a thread in Fusion. Currently, we have to just use the nominal standard thread, and then note in the drawing that it should be helicoiled. This is leading to the model being sent with the wrong size drill/minor diameter which has caused a few of our manufacturers to not notice that they should be coiled, so they have just tapped them out for standard threads. 

A little tick box that just says 'Thread insert' when setting the thread up would be very handy.

Pete. 

[MRWakefield]

You might have to create your own xml thread file rather than wait who knows how long for it to be implemented by AD.

There was someone else on here recently that wanted a 10-32 UNF Helicoil hole so I quickly knocked up a thread file containing just that one size and posted it for him. I've no idea where he went as he's not posted to the thread since!

Are there specific sizes you need right now?

[peteGCAB6]

How does that work? We only have four sizes we use, Could you do one for us?! 😄

Pete

[MRWakefield]

If you can let me know the sizes I'll see what I can do 😉

[peteGCAB6]

1/4-20 unc, 3/8-16 unc, M4 and M3.

This is exciting, how does this work, how do you use the new sizes?!

Thanks a lot

[MRWakefield]

Leave it with me, I should be back soon(ish)...

[MRWakefield]

Ok, here you go. I've attached two XML thread files, one for Metric and one for UN with the sizes you specified. It's getting late and past my bedtime so I won't make this a long post. You could add these files manually but you're much better off using the ThreadKeeper add-in for managing custom threads. Here's a screenshot showing hole callouts:

I don't know whether this format is acceptable but it's easily changed. I'm pretty confident I've got the correct figures in there but it might be worth checking.

Night night!

[peteGCAB6]

Hi Marcus,

Thanks for this. 

Cant seem to get threadkeeper to install, keeps erroring at the last step. I have googled and found that the XML files need to be put into a folder called ThreadData, but I can't find this, and it seems a lot of people cant, as there are a few forum support requests asking for the location.

Is now a good time to mention im using mac? 

I will keep looking to see if I can work out where it goes. 

Pete. 

[MRWakefield]

Yes the ThreadData folder is down a long tortuous path!! There's an AD article on custom threads here that explains where you need to put the files. I don't do Mac so I'm afraid I can't help you there. It would be great if you could get ThreadKeeper working as it makes life much easier. Most times Fusion gets updated the standard thread files get moved to a new folder, unfortunately any custom ones don't, so you have to move them yourself. That's where ThreadKeeper helps out by automatically moving them when necessary.

[peteGCAB6]

Wow, that really is a long tortuous path, almost comical, but I found it and have put the XML files in and you will be pleased to know, its working beautifully! Thanks so much, this will help a lot and prevent designer / machinists arguments. 

Thanks a lot 

Pete.

[MRWakefield]

That's great news, well done! If you don't succeed in getting ThreadKeeper working just remember that sometimes you'll need to move the files when Fusion updates itself.

Obviously I don't know your level of knowledge as regards XML files but they're just text files that you can edit in any text editor. If you want it to specify Helicoil rather than WTI then you can easily do a search and replace in your favourite editor. Beware though; the formatting is important otherwise Fusion will fail to load the file as well as any remaining thread files!

Oh yes, and don't forget to mark the thread as solved 😉

[tnewberr]

How is this process used with multiple users or computers? Since the custom thread files are stored deep in the local app data files, I don't see this working great in any circumstance other than a single user on a single pc. 

I can't believe something as common as heli-coils needs to be custom-added to f360. 

[ChevelleNV]

where id you pull the thread insert data from?, I have googled and cant find this same data and would like to add a few sizes for some fixture plates I am building. I am more than familiar with XML and can add the data myself just want to get the data from the same source you did

[MRWakefield]

I can't remember exactly where I got the data now but it might have been from this catalogue. I'm pretty sure I've seen similar data published elsewhere and IIRC they all agree dimensionally.

EDIT: BTW Tapped hole data starts on page 36 😉

[ChevelleNV]

Hi Marcus,

Thanks, looks like some of the numbers are a hair off from your original xml file, but close enough to give me a starting point.

ill just have to do some test holes and find out....

[ChevelleNV]

I stand corrected.... this is the document you used, some of the specs you used the average of the min and max..... got it sorted out thanks for the help

[MRWakefield]

Yes, I remember taking the mean as that's what the thread files that are included with Fusion seem to be.

No problem, I'm pleased to have been of some help.