cosmetic threads

Other than showing that threading is there, what is the purpose of
cosmetic threads? Is it just what you can use to represent threads
without actually creating them? I'm attempting to create screws and am
wondering what the pros and cons are between cosmetic threads and
creating actual threads in my design.

 

Not sure about others, but using cosmetic threads mean that the hole
in the model is the tap drill size and not the major thread diameter.
Which is usefull for things being laser/water cut cnc machined.
Basically the cosmetic thread will show up in your drawing and hole
notes for documentation but not in your 3d export data.

Zander

 

The down side is that the cosmetic thread does not in some cases give a
completely accurate measure of mass an c of g, due to the cut away metrial
of an internal thread remaining present on the model

Martin Rees

 

Actual threads are resource hogs. They are a bit of a pain to build and they
require a fair amount of time to rebuild. It's not a problem when there are
only one or two, but it can become a real drag when you have a lot of them.

Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

I use cosmetic threads only for their contribution to drawing views. Be
careful though...a while back I wasn't paying attention to the options
and had the "remove thread" option button selected. We had the parts
made with SLA and what do you know - the holes for #6 screws came out
..138 dia. instead of .107 dia. - just the way I told it to tell it to do
it.