One of the most common questions we hear is “How do I create a thread in Onshape?”
You can create a thread in three simple steps:
- Create a helix.
- Sketch the thread profile.
- Create a sweep to cut the thread.
Let’s start with the first step. In the toolbar, select the Helix command.
In Onshape, a helix is created by referencing a cylinder or cone that defines its diameter. A helix can be defined by the number of turns or by pitch. Set the helix to clockwise or counterclockwise and set the start angle.
Tip: To calculate the pitch of an inch thread, divide 1 by the number of threads per inch (i.e. 12 threads per inch = 1/12).
Now that the helix is finished, let’s sketch the thread profile. For a standard thread, sketch an equilateral triangle. Use a pierce constraint to attach the thread profile sketch to the helix.
The last step is the sweep. Select the thread profile sketch as the entity to sweep and choose the helix as the path. In this case, we will cut using the “Remove” option in the Sweep feature.
Ready to give it a shot?
