Can inventor have a working thread modeler instead of switching to fusion just for this?

[corentin.schovaers]

I use Inventor to model 3D parts for 3D printing.
I recently used compressed air in one of my assemblies. I would like to create a 1/4-inch thread to attach a connector to my part. Since Inventor doesn't model these threads, even when converting to a CAD file, I had to use a second CAD software (Fusion 360) to model it.
It's very annoying having to switch to another software for such a simple 3D feature.

Have you got some ideas to make this possible in inventor? 
( I don't want to model it myself by doing some helix extrusion, since i had to know every thread size properties)

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

You can use Thread modeler plugin.

[James_Willo]

Hi, I think the one Kacper is referring to is the plugin by CoolOrange

https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/Detail/Index?id=2540506896683021779&appLang=en&os=Win64

But no, there is no native way to do this in Inventor without overcomplicating things.  

[corentin.schovaers]

Thank you for you idea of plugin, but i already explore it and it is outdated. It only works on inventor 2020-.
This kind of feature have to be implemented. I dont know how this is still inexistant.

[kacper.suchomski]

The plugin works. There are dozens of instructions on the internet on how to configure it for newer versions.

EG: https://www.cadforum.cz/en/true-3d-models-of-threads-in-inventor-2022-and-2021-tip12962

[James_Willo]

I think the reason this is not a main feature is that it is only really used for 3D printing and not every day use. Having modelled threads on everything would significantly affect performance and is not required at all for manufacturing (unless printing)

I don't control the Inventor roadmap though so it's just a guess

[swalton]

Not an out-of-the-box solution, but @JDMather created an iFeature to make 3d threads a few years ago.  It looks like @karthur1 added some refinement to the technique.

See this forum post: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/best-way-to-add-threads-for-printing-purposes/td-p/988...

You might find the ifeature method useful if you need to adjust the thread parameters to match the 3d printing process that you use.  I use the thread tables in the Machinery's Handbook when I need detailed design and size information for most commercially available machined threads.

[WillL84]

Don't hold your breath. It's been a request in the ideas section for what, almost a decade now? Also the CoolOrange plugin works fine, I use it in Inventor 2025 all the time.

[jkloosC8UM8]

"Only used for 3D printing"

I can see that being a valid argument if this were 2009.