Introduction: Alibre Design and External Threads (Method 2)

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This instructable is for creating an external "thread" in Alibre Design. This is a cosmetic method, as it uses a Revolve and Pattern, rather than a Helical Cut, as in Method 1.

As in Method 1, this will be a 50mm stud with a 20mm thread (M6x1)

This instructable assumes that:
1) The user is familiar with creating primitives, such as cubes and cylinders.
2) the user is familiar with using constraints.

Step 1: Make a Cylinder

Make a Cylinder 6mm x 30mm (the remaining 20mm will be added later).

Step 2: Chamfer the End.

Select an end face, then click on the Chamfer Tool

Select Angle-Distance from the Dropdown Box
Distance = pitch/2*sqrt(3). If you did not create a parameter named "pitch" in the Equation Editor, then use whatever pitch value you need. In my example. The pitch is one, so you would enter 1/2*sqrt(3). The angle should be set for. 30 degrees

Note: If, for some reason, this part doesn't line up with the later threads, try pitch/2 and 60degrees This may have something to do with whether you select the face or the edge to chamfer.

Ahh, the price of progress...

Step 3: Create the First Thread.

In a new sketch, draw a figure similar to this.

Notes:
The two lines creating the point and the reference line form an equilateral triangle.
The point is dimensioned to the radius of the cylinder
The edge of the sketch is constrained to the end of the cylinder.

Now, Rotate this Sketch about the Z-Axis.





Step 4: Rinse, Repeat...

Now, we will make a pattern of the first thread.

Go to Feature -> Pattern -> Linear.
Click on the Revolution Feature to add it to the list.
Click on "Linear Path" in the "First Direction" portion of the dialog box, then click on the Z-Axis.
Spacing is equal to the pitch.
Copies is however many you need-- or want. ;)

Click OK

Step 5: Less Filling, Great Taste...

Now you're done.

This method works well for part that look like they are threaded, but don't really need to be. Consequently, since the helix is not used in this method the size of the file is greatly decreased:

Method 1: 835KB
Method 2: 484KB