best way to add threads for printing purposes?

[DavidTunnard]

Hi,

I need to add actual threads to some parts for 3d printing. Currently, I am using the cool orange thread modeler which works great when you only have a couple of threads to do. However, the current part I am working on has a load of holes with threads. Usually, if I didn't need to model the threads, I would just pattern a threaded hole. Unfortunately, I don't think that the CoolOrange thread modeler works for threaded holes which means that adding modeled threads for all of these features is a right pain.

Anybody got any answers for how to make this process easier?

At the minute my only idea is to import the part into Fusion360 and add the threads there as that has an option to add modeled threads when placing the hole. Would be great if Inventor could have this feature.

[terpdeich]

I have made a punch tool for external thread based on your video. In my testing so far it works.

I have attached the part file and the iFeature file in a zip-folder

The punch tool is to be used on the center of the end face of a cylindrical body with the diameter of the desired thread size without accounting for tolerance - that will be done by Clearance in the the punch tool settings.

[Frederick_Law]

You need to zip the files to attach here.

[terpdeich]

Thanks! I have attached that now in my edited post.

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I haven't tried the punch tool from terpdeich yet, sorry about that! Well, I have stopped using the orange thread modeler as it proved to be too much work to constrain it to the actual part, plus it couldn't do enough, such as chamfers and runout. For that purpose, I've made a template with Sketch Blocks. Yep, I can explain the process if people are interested. The Sketch Blocks look like this: 

Real screw threads 60 degrees metric




The template's parameters pane looks like this:
Template real screw threads

And placed in a part: a throttle shaft:

Throttle shaft w/screw threads

I have attached a PDF document containing a link to a 7-minute or so screen recording of me using these Sketch Blocks. Of course, if you have any questions or would like to have the template (IPT), let me know. Cheers, Marco

[terpdeich]

It definitely looks good and realistic.  The punch tool I made would need tweaking to have a proper round out (for now is just has a shoulder option) and round outer edge of the thread (the latter would be a quick fix in the sketch).

The purpose of the punch tool is for 3D-printing where it's necessary to be able to change tolerance/clearance.

I didn't pick up if your method had that feature?

Also once the punch tool iFeatere is added - it takes literally 30secs to make the thread on a rod.

[Anonymous]

Right, I'll have a go with the punch tool. Thank you for providing it! My method has no tolerance or clearance setting.

[terpdeich]

I hope it can work for you. If the right tweaks can be made - it could potentially save you a lot of time 🤞

[karthur1]

For anyone interested, here are the models and .ide for Imperial, Metric and NPT internal threads.

The attached .zip has the models and the .ide files that can be placed into printed parts. The clearance for the NPT threads is set to .005in, but you can change it depending on your printer.  The inch and metric threads has a field where you can adjust the clearance when you place the feature.

Hope this helps.

Kirk

[ofonime.william]

I was wondering how to effectively the "Modeled V......" @karthur1 , I'm using Inventor 2024, online version of coolorange is not an ideal for me either.

[karthur1]

I have used this for several different projects and it works well.  You should know what tolerance your printer is capable of and do a few test prints to see how it works.

[andyasskwoo]

You can include them by selecting "Modelled" in the threads tool.

[JDMather]

@andyasskwoo 

You are in the wrong forum.  That is Autodesk Fusion.