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Creating internal thread in body (by Nigel)
Hi again,
Have made good progress using SolveSpace to create a bracket for mounting a proximity sensor to my 3D printer but now have the challenge to create an internal thread (18mm) into which sensor can be mounted.
Reading what little I have found relating to 'threads' on this forum, it seems like the process is way above my pay grade.
An alternative option is to use a plane hole and mount using the original sensor hardware, but this seems to be 'cheating'.
Any advice from those that have the solution?
Many thanks in advance.
Have made good progress using SolveSpace to create a bracket for mounting a proximity sensor to my 3D printer but now have the challenge to create an internal thread (18mm) into which sensor can be mounted.
Reading what little I have found relating to 'threads' on this forum, it seems like the process is way above my pay grade.
An alternative option is to use a plane hole and mount using the original sensor hardware, but this seems to be 'cheating'.
Any advice from those that have the solution?
Many thanks in advance.
(no subject) (by Paul)
If you're going to drill and tap the hole there is no need to actually add threads to the 3d model. If you're going to 3d print a part and want threads then read on.
1) Start by extruding a hole. This can be at the time the part is extruded or as a difference extrusion afterwards. Be sure you specify the hole diameter.
2) Next, select the center axis of the hole (the center point should have formed a line during the extrude step. Also select one end point of that line and another line perpendicular to the axis of the hole. Then Shift->W to create a sketch in new workplane.
3) draw the thread profile. This should be a triangle with a "vertical" edge parallel to the hole axis, but not on it. This can be floating above the surface of the main object. It's distance from the axis should be less than the radius of the hole. The length of this line needs to be less than the thread pitch (spacing between threads). The other 2 legs of the triangle should be equal length and away from the axis.
4) Select the line of the hole axis and one of its end points. Press Shift->H to create a Helix group. Go to the text window and make the extrusion type "difference". Check the box for fixed pitch and change the pitch value to the spacing you want between threads. This value must be larger than the height of the triangle.
5) drag the length of the helix extrusion to the far side of the hole so the threads cut the inner surface of the hole. Constrain length as needed.
If at this point the helical extrusion difference is failing with missing surfaces or red lines, check the conditions I specified above. The inner hole surface must not be coincident with the vertical surface of the helix. The helix must not intersect itself - the pitch must be greater than the length of that vertical sketch line.
If everything is correct and the cut still fails, go to the helix group in the text window and check "force to triangle mesh". You're 3d printing this anyway.
p.s. this post brought to you from my local pub with no testing whatsoever.
1) Start by extruding a hole. This can be at the time the part is extruded or as a difference extrusion afterwards. Be sure you specify the hole diameter.
2) Next, select the center axis of the hole (the center point should have formed a line during the extrude step. Also select one end point of that line and another line perpendicular to the axis of the hole. Then Shift->W to create a sketch in new workplane.
3) draw the thread profile. This should be a triangle with a "vertical" edge parallel to the hole axis, but not on it. This can be floating above the surface of the main object. It's distance from the axis should be less than the radius of the hole. The length of this line needs to be less than the thread pitch (spacing between threads). The other 2 legs of the triangle should be equal length and away from the axis.
4) Select the line of the hole axis and one of its end points. Press Shift->H to create a Helix group. Go to the text window and make the extrusion type "difference". Check the box for fixed pitch and change the pitch value to the spacing you want between threads. This value must be larger than the height of the triangle.
5) drag the length of the helix extrusion to the far side of the hole so the threads cut the inner surface of the hole. Constrain length as needed.
If at this point the helical extrusion difference is failing with missing surfaces or red lines, check the conditions I specified above. The inner hole surface must not be coincident with the vertical surface of the helix. The helix must not intersect itself - the pitch must be greater than the length of that vertical sketch line.
If everything is correct and the cut still fails, go to the helix group in the text window and check "force to triangle mesh". You're 3d printing this anyway.
p.s. this post brought to you from my local pub with no testing whatsoever.
Thats another round I owe you! (by Nigel)
Many thanks Paul for taking time out whilst at your local pub to provide clear step by step guide - appreciated.
Will attempt to follow instructions without messing up and all being well be able to achieve desired outcome.
Am guessing you are located in Europe (probably U.K.) which is a l-o-n-g way from where I am (South Africa)!
As an aside, the more I use SolveSpace, the more impressed I am with how the application functions, seems strange that 'other' CAD programs have a larger following by hobbyist / greater number of 'how to / tutorial videos' given that for purpose of creating custom 'engineering' type modelling for home 3D printing, SolveSpace appears to provide all the essential features - just saying.
Wishing you a FANTASTIC 2025
VBR
Will attempt to follow instructions without messing up and all being well be able to achieve desired outcome.
Am guessing you are located in Europe (probably U.K.) which is a l-o-n-g way from where I am (South Africa)!
As an aside, the more I use SolveSpace, the more impressed I am with how the application functions, seems strange that 'other' CAD programs have a larger following by hobbyist / greater number of 'how to / tutorial videos' given that for purpose of creating custom 'engineering' type modelling for home 3D printing, SolveSpace appears to provide all the essential features - just saying.
Wishing you a FANTASTIC 2025
VBR
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