Making threads for bolts and 3D printing.

[Oliveros]

Hey Guys.

Probably beating a dead horse but I'm trying to make bolts and threads for 3D printing but I can't seem to get it right.

Any bright minds in here who know how to do it and is willing to tell me the plugin and a step by step on how to do it?

[Dave R]

What kind of threads are you trying to create? Do they need to be a standard profile? That is, are you expecting to be able to put a standard screw into a 3D-printed hole?

I model threads fairly often. Examples below.

I use Curve Maker to draw a helix of the right dimensions for the thread; major dia. and pitch; but I work at 1000x scale. Then I draw the correct thread profile and use Eneroth Upright Extruder to extrude the threads and then do what is needed to clean up the results to make a solid component. Solid Inspector 2 and TIG's Solid Solver help a great deal.

If the threads are rather small and must be functional, you might find it better to model a pilot hole or cylinder with no threads and use a tap or die to cut threads.

[Oliveros]

Looks like some cool stuff.

Yes, I want it to be functional, even if it's arbitrary threads as in, no standard bolt or nut would fit but whatever I print would fit.

I'm pulling my hair out trying to get it right.

What plugins do I need, I have Sketchup Pro 2014.

[Dave R]

I listed the extensions I used in my previous post.

[Oliveros]

I have curve maker and if I draw a profile of the thread and then extrude it, it get's tilted slightly near the end making it so I can't put it on the object properly. It seems the helix won't stay the same size and angle but changes somehow.

[Dave R]

Please go back and read my first reply to you. I didn't say I used Follow Me. I used Eneroth Upright Extruder to extrude the profile.

[Oliveros]

Please go back and read my first reply to you. I didn't say I used Follow Me. I used Eneroth Upright Extruder to extrude the profile.

You good sir are correct.

I used an upright extruder and by golly, it seemed to work, lots of patching mesh but in the end it went solid.

Now i'm printing it so we'll see if it works.

Thank you for the assistance.

[Box]

lots of patching mesh but in the end it went solid.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=68150

Added this the the thread I linked to explain your face missing problem.

[pilou]

Some ideas

Video

[Oliveros]

Thanks guys.

youtube videos don't really work for me, I need the dummed down, step 1, step 2, etc.

[Oliveros]

lots of patching mesh but in the end it went solid.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=68150

Added this the the thread I linked to explain your face missing problem.

Bloody brilliant.

[Dave R]

it seemed to work, lots of patching mesh but in the end it went solid.

Which is why I wrote:

but I work at 1000x scale.

I actually use the Dave method Box describes.

[Oliveros]

it seemed to work, lots of patching mesh but in the end it went solid.

Which is why I wrote:

but I work at 1000x scale.

I actually use the Dave method Box describes.

Good to know, I'll have to give that a shot next and see what happens.