Threading/tapping on neutral formats for rapid prototyping

Hi all

I'm not telling you anything new when I say that the graphical representation of a thread (or a tap) of any kind is not possible on SolidWorks; This does not add anything to the design.

On the other hand, when your design goes through a rapid prototyping stage (stereolitography, powder sintering, etc.), you realize that something is missing. It is not usual to provide a plan of the part that will mention the threading/tapping, and even if the plan is provided, either the prototypist has missed it, or he will cost you a rework operation for its realization.

Hence my question:

  • Does anyone have a solution to generate, from the thread representation data present in the 3D model, its graphical representation?

Thank you for the answers already given, but I realize that I should have been more specific.

My need is to generate the graphic representation just before exporting, I don't want to keep it in my native solidworks. Is it possible, when inserting a library, to make it possible to select a filtering representation of an existing drilling feature in the design tree so that the drilling diameter, pitch, nominal diameter, and thread length are automatically defined?

Hello

A macro is available here, but it doesn't use the information from the drill wizard, you have to re-enter it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmsYKOoR4V4

And the macro is available here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/hd95m6vgajyj8e4/boltMacro1.zip

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Otherwise a library function is available here:

https://forum.solidworks.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/305524-86527/internal%20thread%20-%20thru.zip

Hello

I don't know if you see it, but with the new Lynkoa, there are similar questions that appear on the left<<<<<<

Including one that may interest you:

http://www.lynkoa.com/forum/3d/fonction-filetage-taraudage-automatique

 

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Another library function:

http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/Search/feature.aspx?id=191437

Hello

I just have a doubt about the feasibility of your thread.

It all depends on the size, of course, but on sintering and despite the tolerance and the rather good precision, I really don't think that a thread is possible, at least from a mechanical point of view.

You might as well prepare the hole and tap yourself.

 

It's a small apartment, but I think it's important.

 

Good luck

4 Likes

Hello

I've already proposed this library link several times but I like to advertise^^
This library contains many library functions that allow you to make threads and threads that correspond to the standards in force, this can allow you to generate your threads very easily with a simple drag and drop in your graphic area. You just need to know what type of thread the prototypist wanted to make. The library is very easy to use and very well organized, despite the not very ergonomic site. This could save you a lot of time and money.
The installation of the library is quick and very well explained in the Online Help. Additionally, if you want, you can also break down the functions to see how they were performed and match them to your needs if not.

Link to the website: http://bib.altitech.free.fr/
Link to online help : http://bib.altitech.free.fr/aide_altitech/aide_altitech.htm

Cdt

Joss

 

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the one and only way to do this is to create a thread or tap actually in the 3D file

and it is from there that all the elements created in virtual

will become parts under 3D printing

of course with the appropriate log language conversion

As for the taps, all you have to do is create threads

different diam and not different

and creates Boolean operations on parts with material removal

for the spinning it's the same thing in reverse

So thread and thread library of length x which can be positioned on the length side on the male or female receiving parts

This is for me the type of design that should work if the printer is able to have a resolution that allows you to make threads following the step

 

@+ ............ and still Red Hat

 

1 Like

To follow up on what GT22 wrote "the one and only way to do it is to create a thread or thread actually in the 3D file"

From experience, this works very well on the prototypes launched in my company. we have even recently launched prototypes with M5 threads.

When we have smaller threads we prefer to remachine the part by ourselves (creation of a smooth hole in prototyping then passing a manual tool -> about 10min of work the time to get the tool)

@David: And what printing technology do you use with the M5?

We immediately remove the wire and I don't think it works at all in sintering (the layers are too porous).

So stereo?

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Yes, we use stereo. It seems to me that the material is an ACURA.

2 Likes