Need a SU Tap & Die plugin
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Folks,
I've been on a quest for the Holy Grail (yes, I watch Monty Python) i.e. a plugin that will allow me to add threads to the outside AND inside surfaces of components like a tap & die set.
I want to be able to model nuts and bolts that have industry standard thread properties.
Ideally (but not mandatory), I'd like a plugin that would allow me to select bolt and nut types as well as the thread parameters.
I've tried BoltMaker XII, but it somewhat limited, as well, it creates components in a non-standard fashion that I cannot easily correct i.e., inverts the z-axis.
Maybe a DC?
Any thoughts anyone???
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Please put an image or a file V6 V7! (before / after)
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Pilou,
I'm sorry but I don't understand what you're asking. You want an in image of what? Threads, nuts and bolts?
I use SU7-2013 proBob
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I think you should give a look to Dynamic components.
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=289&t=24404 -
gilles,
Man, I've been all over looking for a solution. Thanks for helping out
Bob
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Well I tried the Bolt Builder DC and it will definitely build bolts - sort of.
Sadly, it is very restrictive in what 'type' of bolt/nut assembly you can build. No thread options and no way to create 'other' than a standard nut/bolt assembly.
Since I employ different bolts used in furniture making e.g., 'connector bolts' and 'shoulder bolts', this DC can't help me a whole lot. As they say "Close, but no cigar".
It's unfortunate (for me) that the BB's code is locked down. It would have been fun to try and tweak it to better suit my needs.
Given the effort I've put in so far to find an automated solution, I think I'm going to simply build my own by hand.
I sure wish someone knew of a script that could create nut threads (inside) and bolt threads (outside), the rest I could probably do on my own.
Thank you gilles for your help.
Bob
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The idea, you got SU pro so you can built dynamic components, use this one as a model and create your own.
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It begs the question, what is it you want to do with these bolts.
Mostly threads are just unnecessary geometry, unless you want to 3D print the bolts.
I understand the delight of making a nut and bolt that fit together, but after I know how to do it I only bother if it is really needed. Normally a hex at each end of a tube does the trick.
But why not build your own set, most are standard ratios, so make one and use the tape measure to accurately scale the others from it. Use a helix and fak to create threads of the correct pitch and again scale them with the tape tool. You'll find you can make a huge selection from just a few components. If you then need to have a fully threaded bolt you simply add multiple single rotation thread components to a blind bolt, keeping the file size down. -
Box,
I can't get into why I want to do this right now. It's something I'm working on.
gilles,
The Bolt Builder DC code isn't available to learn from as the author locked it down. However, I just got a PM from another developer who provided me with a script he was working with. Now I have a starting point to expand my understanding of Ruby programming.
Thanks guys for your input -- much appreciated.
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I believe that program a Dynamic Component is a little more easy than a Ruby one!
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@bsintzel said:
The Bolt Builder DC code isn't available to learn from as the author locked it down.
that's not possible. if you have suPro, you can see and edit any dynamic component's functions etc..
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http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=db27537086288b21706627b112998eff
This is a small model built with some code to make it usable for sketchy physics (and perhaps 3d printing). Does anyone know how this would print on a makerbot?
or by just modeling with some pretty bizarre music
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