Alibre Design and External Threads (Method 1)
by JordanCClark in Circuits > Software
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Alibre Design and External Threads (Method 1)
This instructable will show how to create an external thread in Alibre Design. In this example, we will create a 50mm stud with 20mm of it being threaded (M6x1).
This instructable assume that the user:
1) can create primitives, such as cubes and cylinders.
2) is acquainted with the use of constraints.
This instructable assume that the user:
1) can create primitives, such as cubes and cylinders.
2) is acquainted with the use of constraints.
Create a Cylinder
Create a cylinder matching you nominal diameter and length.
In this example, I used a 6mm x 50mm cylinder.
In this example, I used a 6mm x 50mm cylinder.
Create a Cutting Tool.
Create a sketch that is perpendicular to the end of the cylinder. This means the the sketch we create will "hang off the end" of the cylinder.
1) Create an equilateral triangle.
Note the equal constraint used on each leg of the triangle, as well as the vertical constraint on the outside leg.
2) Dimension the distance from the center to outside leg as the radius.
Helpful Hint: by using the Equation Editor, you can set the dimension to diameter/2; then the cutting tool will follow the diameter of the cylinder if you make any changes
3) Dimension the size of the cutting tool to slightly less than the thread pitch.
This is very important, as this will keep the helix from overlapping when it is created and giving an error.
1) Create an equilateral triangle.
Note the equal constraint used on each leg of the triangle, as well as the vertical constraint on the outside leg.
2) Dimension the distance from the center to outside leg as the radius.
Helpful Hint: by using the Equation Editor, you can set the dimension to diameter/2; then the cutting tool will follow the diameter of the cylinder if you make any changes
3) Dimension the size of the cutting tool to slightly less than the thread pitch.
This is very important, as this will keep the helix from overlapping when it is created and giving an error.
Create the Helical Cut Feature
Click on the Helical Cut Tool and and enter in the Height and Pitch fields.
If I was thinking a bit clearer, the height parameter would be equal to the distance of thread I wanted, plus one more pitch length, but you can be sure to do that to yours... :)
If I was thinking a bit clearer, the height parameter would be equal to the distance of thread I wanted, plus one more pitch length, but you can be sure to do that to yours... :)
Making It Look Good... or Is That Well?
You should now have something similar to what is below. But, as you can see, the thread ends rather abruptly. If you wanted something quick and dirty, go no further, but if you need to make it look good, or well, or whatever, then read on...
Select the End of the Cut
Click on the Face where the Helical Cut was ended.
From the Toolbar, select Project to sketch.
Hint: If you choose Maintain associativity, the new sketch will follow the face if it changes.
Click OK
From the Toolbar, select Project to sketch.
Hint: If you choose Maintain associativity, the new sketch will follow the face if it changes.
Click OK
Cut It Out!
Take this new sketch and Extrude Cut. You'll have a nice, clean feature.
Something to note: A helix is a rather file intensive, so you'll see your file size grow quite a bit.
Method 2 takes a more cosmetic approach. :)
Something to note: A helix is a rather file intensive, so you'll see your file size grow quite a bit.
Method 2 takes a more cosmetic approach. :)