# Create actual 3D printed threads

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [January 3, 2019, 4:22pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675 "2019-01-03T16:22:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 16\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SteveK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@SteveK](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SteveK)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 4:22pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/1 "2019-01-03T16:22:34Z")

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Does anybody have an actual process for design of actual threads(bolt and threaded hole) for 3D printing? Subtracting simple “revolved” thread doesn’t work, there is no gap or fit tolarance. Tried scaling to get some gap, but threads no longer line up. Tried over sizing the subtracted thread, but again that thread doesn’t line up with original. I’m beginning to think that actual 3D printed threads (bolt and nut or threaded hole) can’t be achieved with current Shapr3D. Any one have success with thread making for a 3D printed part?

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**Author:** ![DanielR](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/danielr/32/582_2.png) [@DanielR](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/DanielR)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 4:26pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/2 "2019-01-03T16:26:24Z")

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Hi - We have a recent thread on this subject: [Threads (nuts and bolts) - solution found](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/threads-nuts-and-bolts-solution-found/3581)

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**Author:** ![Romulus369](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/romulus369/32/2871_2.png) [@Romulus369](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Romulus369)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 6:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/4 "2019-01-03T18:12:56Z")

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What is the tolerance of your 3D printer? Threads properly achieved should fall into the ± .005 for a smooth transition. That may vary depending on the application, material and so on. Are you able to measure the pitch, major and minor diameters with a thread micrometer or optical comparator?

Worst case scenario for small production of hardware / screws / nuts might be a tap for internal threads or a die for external threads. Or of course purchase the hardware from McMaster Carr or eBay… 🤪

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**Author:** ![Romulus369](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/romulus369/32/2871_2.png) [@Romulus369](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Romulus369)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 6:44pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/5 "2019-01-03T18:44:35Z")

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How many folks even deal with the coefficient of thermal expansion when working with close tolerances specifically in plastic…

For the most part temperatures do not have an impact…

If you’re going to adhere to the GD&T while designing (Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, it’s something to consider?

Otherwise, fit, form and function might be the general rule? 🕶

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**Author:** ![SteveK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@SteveK](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/SteveK)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 6:50pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/6 "2019-01-03T18:50:33Z")

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My 3D printed threads work great from Fusion 3D. Shapr3D has some work to do concerning threaded features. It’s understandable it can’t do everything yet.

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**Author:** ![Romulus369](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/romulus369/32/2871_2.png) [@Romulus369](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Romulus369)\
**Post date:** [January 3, 2019, 6:52pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/8 "2019-01-03T18:52:41Z")

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Thats fact… 🕶

To be clearer, Shapr3D can do threads… 🤓

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**Author:** ![chrisbeale](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/chrisbeale/32/4719_2.png) [@chrisbeale](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/chrisbeale)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2019, 9:01am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/9 "2019-10-27T09:01:40Z")

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I’m trying to create a 12mm fine thread with a pitch of 1.5mm. I draw the thread profile from iso tables and revolve it around the axis but it won’t revolve more than 360deg. I get an error message that there are invalid faces. The spiral does not intersect but I can get it to revolve multiple times if I increase the pitch to say 5mm. It feels as though the revolve tool is designed for springs etc. and just doesn’t like finer pitches.

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**Author:** ![chrisbeale](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/chrisbeale/32/4719_2.png) [@chrisbeale](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/chrisbeale)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2019, 6:20pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/10 "2019-10-27T18:20:02Z")

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My mistake. I confused length with pitch. Sorted now.

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**Author:** ![Ghengisahn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Ghengisahn](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Ghengisahn)\
**Post date:** [July 4, 2021, 5:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/11 "2021-07-04T05:34:14Z")

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Reviving this thread since the response link is not working.

Creating threads on male and female bodies that you can work and print is very easy on fusion. You just make sure that your male / female parts are correctly sized then just add threads on the curved feature (and you get to choose the length and pitch).

Making threads on shapr 3D is a bit more challenging like the OP has stated. Is there an easier process? Not available on google or YouTube searches.

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**Author:** ![Leroy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Leroy](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Leroy)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 4:00pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/12 "2022-01-21T16:00:40Z")

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link says page not found.

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**Author:** ![Oregonerd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/oregonerd/32/8012_2.png) [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)\
**Post date:** [January 24, 2022, 7:08pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/13 "2022-01-24T19:08:38Z")

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Yeah they need sticky topics… That would be one of them.

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**Author:** ![Peter\_b](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/85f322/32.png) [@Peter\_b](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Peter_b)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2022, 4:46am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/14 "2022-08-18T04:46:13Z")

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What is the smallest printable rounded triangle size for the the thread top to revolve into a thread printable well with a 0.4 nozzle? Maybe someone even knows the rotation degree and height?  
A shortcut would be nice, and thanks in advance if you can provide.  
like Triangle base, sides, rounding of top edge, height to degree rotation ratio.

> **[15%20Gewindetabellen.pdf](https://www.emuge-franken-bg.com/attachments/article/97/15%20Gewindetabellen.pdf)**
>
> 2.12 MB

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**Author:** ![Mathis58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Mathis58](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Mathis58)\
**Post date:** [February 6, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/15 "2024-02-06T16:37:38Z")

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> [@How to make bolts and nuts](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/how-to-make-bolts-and-nuts/22840/16):
>
> I created M12 bolt and nut. I create both the nut and bolt in shapr3d as normal. Before I do a subtract, I use scale (x and y only) and scale my bolt to acquire the proper clearance. Once this is set, I subtract to establish the proper thread in the nut. Once this complete, I use scale to put the bolt back to its M12 dimension (x and y). You see the results below. 3D print and the nut screws on the bolt easily. Checking dimensions, the dimensions are within tolerances.

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**Author:** ![Oregonerd](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/oregonerd/32/8012_2.png) [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)\
**Post date:** [February 6, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/16 "2024-02-06T17:27:24Z")

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That works so long as it’s not mission critical I would hazard to guess. Like gear teeth, there must be some serous science + engineering in the shape vs purpose of threads and tolerances needed. If you think about it, screws/threads/nuts and bolts have to be one of the most important inventions in human history. Think where we’d be without them.

> **[Bolt Science Web Site](https://www.boltscience.com/)**
>
> Bolt Science - Providing solutions to bolting problems.

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**Author:** ![Mathis58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Mathis58](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Mathis58)\
**Post date:** [February 6, 2024, 6:48pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/17 "2024-02-06T18:48:13Z")

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The bolt and nut was designed and 3d printed to 6g/6h tolerances. I was surprised to see how well it aligned with the tolerances being plastic. I would not consider anything mission critical that was 3d printed in plastic. I also had our machine inspectors inspect it and it passed. I also created a cutting tool and cut both the external and internal threads in shapr3d separately. It also passed inspection.

Allan Mathis

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**Author:** ![paul.leamy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@paul.leamy](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/paul.leamy)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2024, 8:03am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/create-actual-3d-printed-threads/3675/18 "2024-09-06T08:03:21Z")

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Any information on this ???