How to 3D Model a Screw Thread in SelfCAD
Screw threads are crucial parts in engineering and manufacturing. They change rotational motion into linear motion and offer dependable fastening solutions. SelfCAD, an online 3D modeling software, provides tools to design screw threads accurately and easily.
We shall design the screw thread by merging and knitting surfaces into a single solid. While this process is simple, the skills you learn can be applied to many engineering projects and are often crucial in low-poly modeling. Begin by launching SelfCAD and open the workspace:
From 3D Shapes select a Cube:
Set the parameters of the cube as shown below, and tick the check mark to finalize the cube:
Select Chamfer from the Modify category.
Set the Intensity to 4 and tick the check mark to finalize the Chamfer:
On the toolbar, select Cut With Plane from the Modify category. Set the Bottom/Top offset to 20:
On the Advanced Settings set the Split Objects to true:
Tick the check mark to finalize the cut with plane. Click Isolate:
Click on Back Face Coloring:
Then on the toolbar, select Screw & Nut Generators from the Generators category. Set Generator Nut to true and set the other parameters as shown below:
Tick the check mark to finalize the Screw & Nut generator. Select Align Tool from the Utilities category, and set the Align Mode to Plane. Set the Origin Element Button and click on the highlighted point to align it to the plane:
Select the Set Reference Plane and, click draw then select the highlighted point shown below:
Click the Apply button to select the edge to align to another object:
Click “X” to close the Align panel:
Select Screw_1 and click isolate then you remain with the object below:
Activate the Polygon Selection from the right side panel. Use it to select the faces of the nut all around including the bottom as shown below, then click delete to remove them:
Click show mesh_6. Select the Mesh_6 and nut_1 then click Merge to combine them:
From the Tools category, select the Fill Polygon tool:
Tick the check mark to finalize the fill polygon and select Flip Normals from the Utilities category:
Click show all:
Click on the Inverse Selection to select the upper part as shown below. Then activate the Move tool and set Y to 35:
Click “X” to close the transformation panel. From the Edit menu select Merge:
Select the Fill Polygon tool from the Tools category and tick the check mark to finalize the Fill Polygon:
Finalize by giving the objects color. Click on the Color picker and, select the Orange button and click ok to confirm the color:
Finally, you have successfully created the screw thread mechanism in SelfCAD:
Based on this guide, you realize that SelfCAD provides easy-to-use tools for designing mechanical parts and assemblies. Engineers can create detailed parts like gears and shafts and test how they fit and work together. This helps ensure that mechanical systems, like linkages and cams, work smoothly. The software’s simple interface and powerful features make it easy to create accurate designs for mechanical systems. If you would like to 3D print the file, you can use the in-built online slicer of SelfCAD. The video below shows how to slice files in SelfCAD.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.