SOLIDWORKS 2016 What’s New – Custom Thread – #SW2016

To create a thread in previous versions of SOLIDWORKS, you had to manually create a profile and a helix, creating a swept cut. This process has now been automated with a new Thread tool in SOLIDWORKS 2016. The new Thread tool allows you to create helical threads on cylindrical faces using profile sketches. The SOLIDWORKS 2016 feature is very flexible, allowing you to specify the start thread location, an offset, end conditions, the type, size, diameter, pitch and rotation angle, and even choose options like right-hand or left-hand thread. Once you have created a thread feature using this new tool, SOLIDWORKS allows you to store your custom thread profile as a library feature. The default location where these are saved can be modified at Tools > Options > System Options > File Locations. Select Thread Profiles from the Show Folders for pull-down menu.

How to Create Custom Cut Thread

SOLIDWORKS 2016 ships with an easy example file to test out the new Thread tool (install_dirsamplespartscustom_thread.sldprt.) I will just use this file to quickly show how easy it is to create a custom thread.

After opening the sample file, pull down the Insert menu and pick Features > Thread.

In the graphics area, we are now going to pick the edge that we want to place the thread on. For this sample, I selected the top edge of the cylinder as shown.

In the Thread PropertyManager, I made the following changes as pictured below:

1. Under Specification, select Metric Die.
2. Set the Size to M6x1.0.
3. Check Offset under Thread Location.
4. Set the Offset Distance to 1.00mm and clicked the Reverse Direction button.
5. Check Maintain Thread Length under End Condition. Note that when you do this the thread profile updates from 10 to 11 millimeters in length.
6. Click OK.

Your thread is now created and you are ready to move on with designing your part. This new Thread tool in SOLIDWORKS 2016 is a great time saver and I am sure that many customers will be able to take advantage of as soon as they install SOLIDWORKS 2016.

We hope this part of the What’s New series gives you a better understanding of the new features and functions of SOLIDWORKS 2016. Please check back to the CATI Blog as the CATI Support Team will continue to break down many of the new items in SOLIDWORKS 2016. All of these articles will be stored in the category of "SOLIDWORKS What's New." You can also learn more about SOLIDWORKS 2016 by clicking on the image below to register for one of CATI’s Design Summit’s.

Neil Bucalo, CSWP, CSWS-MD
Computer Aided Technology