Creating a ThreadMill Feature in CAMWorks

Article by GoEngineer on Mar 28, 2019

This blog offers step by step instructions for how to create a ThreadMill feature for straight and tapered threads in CAMWorks.

CAMWorks Threadmill Feature
Begin by creating the feature. You can use a Boss, Pocket, or Hole feature. Once you create the feature, you need to select “Thread” from the “Strategy” drop-down menu.
Thread Strategy dropdown CAMWorks
Next, you will need to right-click on your newly created feature and select “Parameters.”
CAMWorks Parameters New Feature
A new window will open and you need to verify that the “Strategy” drop-down menu is set to “Thread.” Click on the “Library” button which will open another window in which you will select the thread type and size then click “ok.” You can now generate the operation.
Verify Strategy CAMWorks Threadmill
You will need to select the correct tool and verify that the Major and Minor diameter is correct. Start with selecting the correct tool specifications, specifically the “Flute Length” and “Thread pitch angle.” If these are incorrect, the simulation will not look proper.
Operation Parameters CAMWorks
Go to the “Thread Parameters” tab and be sure that the correct Major and Minor diameter is the correct size. The part model must reflect the correct diameter as well because CAMWorks will attempt to choose the correct thread size based on the diameter, and the simulation will not look proper.
CAMWorks Thread Parameters tab
Something to keep in mind is if you want to take multiple passes you will need to add a previous allowance amount. You will specify the amount you want to cut each pass by entering an amount in the “Cut amt” field, and the distance from the final cut that you want the tool to start its first cut by entering an amount in the “Prev. allowance” field. Based on the settings entered in this example, the tool will take a total of three passes at .02” each pass and will start .055” away from the final cut.
Create a threadmill CAMWorks

Creating a ThreadMill feature for a tapered thread is almost identical to the process for a straight thread. The only difference is that during the creation of the feature you will specify a tapered amount as shown in the photo below.

Specify Taper Amount CAMWorks
Be sure that when you specify the taper amount that it’s tapered in the correct direction using the “taper outward” checkbox. It may or may not need to be selected depending on the direction it is already going but you want the larger diameter at the bottom of the thread.
 

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