Threads

The Threads submenu generates threaded parts around a selected reference model. Select a model first, then choose the thread type. The selected model acts as the base/reference object for placement, projection, material/style inheritance, and initial sizing.

When a thread form opens, the app looks at the selected model in the current projection and takes the biggest visible dimension as the intended thread or outer diameter. If the selected model also has depth in that projection, that depth is used as the initial thread length or nut thickness. You can edit all values before pressing Create.

Available Thread Generators

Threaded Rod

Creates an externally threaded rod.

Fields:

• Major diameter (mm): outside diameter of the thread. Pre-filled from the selected model’s biggest visible projected size.

• Length (mm): rod length along the thread axis. Pre-filled from the selected model’s projection depth when available.

• Pitch (mm): distance between thread turns.

• Thread depth (mm): depth from the major diameter down to the minor/core diameter.

• Segments per turn: smoothness of each thread turn.

• Right hand / Left hand: thread direction.

Default values are 12 mm major diameter, 50 mm length, 2 mm pitch, 0.8 mm thread depth, 24 segments per turn, and right-hand threading.

Threaded Barrel

Creates a round internally threaded barrel or sleeve.

Fields:

• Thread diameter (mm): internal thread major diameter.

• Outer diameter (mm): outside diameter of the barrel. Pre-filled from the selected model’s biggest visible projected size.

• Length (mm): barrel length. Pre-filled from the selected model’s projection depth when available.

• Pitch (mm): distance between thread turns.

• Thread depth (mm): internal thread depth.

• Segments per turn: smoothness of each thread turn.

• Right hand / Left hand: thread direction.

Default values are 12 mm thread diameter, 20 mm outer diameter, 30 mm length, 2 mm pitch, 0.8 mm thread depth, 24 segments per turn, and right-hand threading.

Threaded Nut

Creates a hex-style internally threaded nut.

Fields:

• Thread diameter (mm): internal thread major diameter.

• Across flats (mm): nut size measured across opposite flat sides. Pre-filled from the selected model’s biggest visible projected size.

• Thickness (mm): nut thickness along the thread axis. Pre-filled from the selected model’s projection depth when available.

• Pitch (mm): distance between thread turns.

• Thread depth (mm): internal thread depth.

• Segments per turn: smoothness of each thread turn.

• Right hand / Left hand: thread direction.

Default values are 12 mm thread diameter, 20 mm across flats, 10 mm thickness, 2 mm pitch, 0.8 mm thread depth, 24 segments per turn, and right-hand threading.

Practical Workflow

1. Select a base/reference model.

2. Switch to the projection that represents the intended thread diameter or nut size.

3. Open Insert > Threads.

4. Choose Threaded rod, Threaded barrel, or Threaded nut.

5. Review the auto-filled dimensions and adjust pitch, depth, length, or direction if needed.

6. Press Create.

7. Inspect the generated thread in 3D view.

Notes

• The selected model’s biggest visible projected dimension is used as the initial size.

• For rods, that size becomes the major diameter.

• For barrels, that size becomes the outer diameter.

• For nuts, that size becomes the across-flats dimension.

• Thread pitch and thread depth are scaled proportionally from defaults when auto-sizing is applied.

• Higher segments per turn make smoother threads but create heavier geometry.

• Make sure thread depth is smaller than the thread radius, otherwise the part may not generate correctly.