Screw library for Openscad

thingiverse

This screw library takes a different (simpler) approach to making threads. Instead of drawing threads on a cylinder, it creates a stack of circle(ish) discs that represent a slice from a screw. Similar to the stack of shapes that a 3D printer slicer makes, and that actually gets printed. In this case they are created in thin pairs, then wrapped in hull() so they display like a regular screw. Note: a full article / tutorial will be coming shortly describing this method in detail. Four screw profiles are defined -- profile 0 is for making nuts (for use in combination with the difference() operator, and profile 1 is a standard screw. These are profiles that follow the ISO metric screw standard shape. But they end up not screwing together too good unless you make the bolt smaller, or the nut larger, as the 3D printed layers (at .10 mm) are jagged and bind up. So two more profiles are supplied, and recommended -- profile 2 is for nuts, and profile 3 is for screws. These define screw threads that are curved out a bit more, instead of following the triangle shape that ISO specifies. Special features: * Enhanced thread profiles (2 and 3) make more functional screws/nuts when printed at .10 mm * Includes Higbee cut (first/last screw and nut thread tapers in to allow easier thread starting * Commented code highlights some intermediate techniques in Openscad Usage example: This creates an M10x1.25 (16mm with 1.25 pitch) screw, 20 mm long, and an appropriate nut to go with it. use <dpscrew.scad> // M10x1.25 bolt, 20mm long. cylinder(d = 16, h = 3, $fn=6); translate([0, 0, 3]) screw(size = 10, length = 20, pitch = 1.25, profile = 3); // Nut to go with this screw. translate([30, 0, 0]) difference() { cylinder(d = 16, h = 6, $fn=6); screw(size = 10, length = 6, pitch = 1.25, profile = 2); }