Seeking Thread tool info

[karl]

Can someone point me to a resource that describes all the options in the Thread tool dialog?  F360's Help page isn't very ... helpful.  In particular, I'd like to know how to determine the threads per inch and major and minor diameters.  Thanks.

[etfrench]

Probably the easiest way is to open the thread xml files and look at the settings.

Example:

<ThreadSize>
<Size>0.0118</Size>
<Designation>
<ThreadDesignation>30-318 UNM</ThreadDesignation>
<CTD>30-318 UNM</CTD>
<TPI>318.0</TPI>
<Thread>

The thread xml files are located in this folder: C:\Users\%UserName%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\webdeploy\production\%Hash of Version%\Fusion\Server\Fusion\Configuration\ThreadData

<Gender>external</Gender>
<Class>2A</Class>
<MajorDia>0.0115</MajorDia>
<PitchDia>0.0095</PitchDia>
<MinorDia>0.008</MinorDia>
</Thread>
<Thread>
<Gender>internal</Gender>
<Class>2B</Class>
<MajorDia>0.012</MajorDia>
<PitchDia>0.0101</PitchDia>
<MinorDia>0.0093</MinorDia>
<TapDrill>0.0083</TapDrill>
</Thread>
</Designation>

p.s. I usually just use this site for that data: Thread - Drill & Tap Chart (shender4.com)

[karl]

Thanks for that path but I'd really rather understand what the parameters in the dialog do so I can set them to produce a particular desired result.

[etfrench]

Sorry, but those parameters aren't exposed in the dialog.  You can either find the official specifications for the threads which are usually behind rather expensive paywalls or search for them in the files.

You can also create custom threads by  editing an existing xml or creating a new one in the correct format.

[karl]

Am I the only person who finds it odd that Fusion provides a thread tool that doesn't permit the explicit specification of threads per inch?  That the only way to do that is to edit an XML file?

[etfrench]

Fusion 360 only supplies standard threads, as such the TPI or pitch is known.  It does not make any sense to specify a thread by a TPI or pitch which is not standard.  If you want non-standard threads, you need to create custom threads.  Fortunately, Fusion 360 allows you to do this.

The coil tool can create thread like objects with an arbitrary pitch.  Sweep with guide rails can create accurate threads.

[HughesTooling]

There's a quite nice add in here to help with creating custom XML files.

[karl]

Thanks, that looks like what I’m looking for.  I’m not in front of my PC at the moment to check, but does Fusion load custom threads produced by that add-in into the drop-down for all the standard threads?  If not, how do you apply the custom ones?

[HughesTooling]

I think the add in tries to find the correct folder to save the custom XML to so it shows up in the drop-down.

The thread folder moves with every update so you might want to also use the thread keeper add in as well to keep everything synced up.

[MRWakefield]

Thanks for linking my thread utility. Just to clarify: it's not actually an add-in but a stand-alone application.

You're almost right in that it has a function to open the Fusion thread folder and if you click the 'Open F360 Thread...' button it will open in the correct place. However, the save dialogue doesn't default to that folder. The idea is that you save your custom XML files into a separate folder that the ThreadKeeper add-in syncs with. ThreadKeeper will then also update the Fusion thread folder with your custom thread files when it receives an update.

Hope this clarifies things for any new users.

[MRWakefield]

Just a quick heads-up to let people know that I've updated the app. More details can be found at the link @HughesTooling posted above.

[RogerInHawaii]

Yegads! No one actually answered the question that was asked!!!

I have the exact same question. Now I guess I 'll have to just keep searching for an actually helpful answer.

[jhackney1972]

The answer to the original question was given in Message #2 by @etfrench.  It is embedded in the code of the XML file but it is there.

[josh.sapp]

The data you are looking for is based on formula. Fusion does not use the formulas just the output from the formula entered into an XML file. The formula can be somewhat of a rabbit hole. attached are some basic formula to find part of what you seek. Depending on how you are using the thread function,  thread basic diameter is usually a good enough start point.

If you wish to dig deeper a Machineries Handbook will answer most all your questions.