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Revar Desmera edited this page Dec 14, 2024 · 1 revision

LibFile: screws.scad

Functions and modules for creating metric (ISO) and English (UTS) standard screws and nuts. Included is a function for calculating the standard dimensions of screws including the tolerance values that are required to make screws mate properly when they are formed precisely. If you can fabricate objects accurately then the modeled screws will mate with standard hardware without the need to introduce extra gaps for clearance.

To use, add the following lines to the beginning of your file:

include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>

File Contents

  1. Section: Screw and Nut Parameters

    1. Subsection: Screw Naming
    2. Subsection: Standard Screw Pitch
    3. Subsection: Screw Heads
    4. Subsection: Nuts
    5. Subsection: Tolerance
    6. Subsection: screw_info and nut_info structures

  2. Section: Making Screws

  3. Section: Nuts and nut traps

  4. Section: Screw and Nut Information

    • screw_info() – Returns the dimensions and other info for the given screw.
    • nut_info() – Returns the dimensions and other info for the given nut.
    • thread_specification() – Returns the thread geometry for a given screw.

Section: Screw and Nut Parameters

This modules in this file create standard ISO (metric) and UTS (English) threaded screws. The screw() and nut() modules produce screws and nuts that comply with the relevant ISO and ASME standards, including tolerances for screw fit. You can also create screws with various head types and drive types that should match standard hardware.

Subsection: Screw Naming

You can specify screws using a string that specifies the screw. Metric or ISO screws are specified by a diameter in millimeters and a thread pitch in millimeters. For example, an M8x2 screw has a nominal diameter of 8 mm and a thread pitch of 2 mm. The screw specification for these screws has the form: "M<size>x<pitch>,<length>, so "M6x1,10" specifies a 6mm diameter screw with a thread pitch of 1mm and length of 10mm. You can omit the pitch or length, e.g. "M6x1", or "M6,10", or just "M6". If you omit the length then you must provide the length parameter. If you omit the pitch, the library provides a standard pitch for the specified diameter.

Imperial or UTS screws are specified by a diameter and the number of threads per inch. For large screws, the diameter is simply the nominal diameter in inches, so a 5/16-18 screw has a nominal diameter of 5/16 inches and 18 threads per inch. For diameters smaller than 1/4 inch, the screw diameter is given using a screw gauge, which can be from 0 up to 12. A common smaller size is #8-32, an 8 gauge screw with 32 threads per inch. For UTS screws the specification has the form <size>-<threadcount>,<length>, e.g. "#8-32,1/2", or "1/4-20,1". The units are in inches, including the length. Size can be a gauge number from 0 to 12 with or without a leading # to specify a screw gauge size, or any other value to specify a diameter in inches, either as a float or a fraction, so "0.5-13" and "1/2-13" are equivalent. To force interpretation of the value as inches add '' (two single-quotes) to the end, e.g. "1''-4" is a one inch screw and "1-80" is a very small 1-gauge screw. The pitch is specified using a thread count, the number of threads per inch. As with the ISO screws, you can omit the pitch or length and specify "#6-32", "#6,3/4", or simply #6. As in the metric case, if you omit the length then you must provide the length parameter. If you omit the pitch, the library provides a standard pitch for the specified diameter.

Subsection: Standard Screw Pitch

If you omit the pitch when specifying a screw or nut then the library supplies a standard screw pitch based on the screw diameter as listed in ISO 724 or ASME B1.1. For many diameters, multiple standard pitches exist. The available thread pitch types are different for ISO and UTS:

ISO UTS
"coarse" "coarse" or "UNC"
"fine" "fine" or "UNF"
"extrafine" or "extra fine" "extrafine", "extra fine", or "UNEF"
"superfine" or "super fine"
"none" "none"

The default pitch selection is "coarse". Note that this selection is case insensitive. To set the pitch using these pitch strings you use the thread= argument to the modules. You cannot incorporate a named pitch into the thread name. The finer pitch categories are defined only for larger screw diameters. You can also use the thread= argument to directly specify a pitch, so thread=2 produces a thread pitch of 2mm. Setting the pitch to zero produces an unthreaded screws, the same as setting it to "none". Specifying a numeric value this way overrides a value given in the specification. You can also set thread=true or thread=false to turn threading on and off, with the same default coarse threading when you set it to true.

Subsection: Screw Heads

By default screws do not have heads. You can request a screw head using head= parameter to specify the desired head type. If you want the head to have a recess for driving the screw you must also specify a drive type using drive=. The table below lists the head options. Only some combinations of head and drive type are supported. Different sized flat heads exist for the same screw type. Sometimes this depends on the type of recess. If you specify "flat" then the size will be chosen appropriately for the recess you specify.

The drive= argument can be set to "none", "hex", "slot", "phillips", "ph0" to "ph4" (for phillips of the specified size), "torx" or "t" (for Torx at a specified size, e.g. "t20"). If you have no head but still give a drive type you will get a set screw. The table below lists all of the head types and shows which drive type is compatible with each head types. Different head types work in ISO and UTS, as marked in the first column.

ISO UTS Head Drive
X X "none" hex, torx, slot
X X "hex" none
X X "socket" hex, torx
X X "button" hex, torx
X X "flat" slot, phillips, hex, torx
X X "flat sharp" slot, phillips, hex, torx
X "flat small" slot, phillips
X "flat large" hex, torx
X "flat undercut" slot, phillips
X "flat 82" slot, phillips
X "flat 100" slot, phillips
X "round" slot, phillips
X "fillister" slot, phillips
X X "pan" slot, phillips, torx (ISO only)
X "cheese" slot, phillips, torx

The drive size is specified appropriately for the drive type: drive number for phillips or torx, and recess width in mm or inches (as appropriate) for hex. Drive size is determined automatically from the screw size, but by passing the drive_size= argument you can override the default, or in cases where no default exists you can specify it. Flat head screws have variations such as 100 degree angle for UTS, or undercut heads. You can also request a "sharp" screw which will set the screw diameter the theoretical maximum and produce sharp corners instead of a flat edge on the head. For a flat head screw the drive specification must start with "flat", but the flat head options can be mixed in any order, for example, "flat sharp undercut" or "flat undercut sharp".

Subsection: Nuts

Nuts come in standard sizes and BOSL2 has tables to produce sizes for both Imperial and metric nuts. A nut for a given thread size is defined by its shape, width and thickness. The shape is either "hex" for hexagonal nuts or "square" for square nuts. For hexagonal Imperial nuts, you can choose from thickness values of "thin", "normal" or "thick", but the thin and thick nuts are defined only for thread sizes of 1/4 inch and above.

Metric nut standards are more complicated because ISO has a series of standards and DIN has a series of conflicting standards. Nuts from McMaster-Carr in the USA comply with DIN rather than ISO. Furthermore, ISO does not appear to specify dimensions for square nuts. For metric nuts you can specify "thin", "normal" and "thick" and the nut will be constructed to ISO standards (ISO 4035, ISO 4032, and ISO 4033 respectively). The DIN standard for thin nuts matches ISO, but the DIN normal thickness nuts are thinner than ISO nuts. You can request DIN nuts by specifying a thickness of "DIN" or "undersized". If you request a square nut it necessariliy derives from DIN instead of ISO. For most nut sizes, the nut widths match between ISO and DIN, but they do differ for M10, M12, M14 and M22.

You can of course specify nuts by giving an explicit numerical width and thickness in millimeters.

Subsection: Tolerance

Without tolerance requirements, screws would not fit together. The screw standards specify a nominal size, but the tolerance determines a range of allowed sizes based on that nominal size. So for example, an M10 screw with the default tolerance has an outside (major) diameter between 9.74 mm and 9.97 mm. The library will use the center point in the allowed range and create a screw with a diameter of 9.86 mm. A M10 nut at the default tolerance has a major diameter (which is the inside diameter) between 10 mm and 10.4 mm. Shrinking the major diameter of a screw makes the screw loose. Shrinking the major diameter of a nut, on the other hand, makes the hole smaller and hence makes the nut tighter. For this reason, we need a difference tolerance for a screw than for a nut. Screw tolerances shrink the diameter to make the screw looser whereas nut tolerances increase the diameter to make the nut looser. Screws modeled using this library will have dimensions consistent with the standards they are based on, so that they will interface properly if fabricated by an accurate method. The ISO and UTS systems use different tolerance designations.

For UTS screw threads the tolerance is one of "1A", "2A" or "3A", in order of increasing tightness. The default tolerance is "2A", which is the general standard for manufactured bolts.

For UTS nut threads, the tolerance is one of "1B", "2B" or "3B", in order of increasing tightness. The default tolerance is "2B", which is the general standard for manufactured nuts.

The ISO tolerances are more complicated. For both screws and nuts the ISO tolerance has the form of a number and letter. The letter specifies the "fundamental deviation", also called the "tolerance position", the gap from the nominal size. The number specifies the allowed range (variability) of the thread heights. For screws, the letter must be "e", "f", "g", or "h", where "e" is the loosest and "h" means no gap. The number for a screw tolerance must be a value from 3-9 for crest diameter and one of 4, 6, or 8 for pitch diameter. A tolerance "6g" specifies both pitch and crest diameter to be the same, but they can be different, with a tolerance like "5g6g" specifies a pitch diameter tolerance of "5g" and a crest diameter tolerance of "6g". Smaller numbers give a tighter tolerance. The default ISO screw tolerance is "6g".

For ISO nuts the letters specifying the fundamental deviation are upper case and must be "G" or "H" where "G" is loose and "H" means no gap. The number specifying the variability must range from 4-8. An allowed (loose) nut tolerance is "7G". The default ISO tolerance is "6H".

Clearance holes have a different tolerance system, described in screw_hole().

If you wish to create screws at the nominal size you can set the tolerance to 0 or "none".

Subsection: screw_info and nut_info structures

When you make a screw or nut, information about the object such as the thread characteristics head and drive size, or nut thickness are placed into a data structure. The screw and nut modules can accept screw names, as described above, or they can accept screw structures. When you use a screw structure as a specification, computed values like head type and size and driver characteristics are fixed and cannot be changed, but values that are not computed like length can still be altered. If you want to create an unusual part you can hand generate the structure with your desired parameters to fill in values that would normally be produced automatically from the standard tables. So if your hardware is missing from the tables, or is sized differently, you can still create the part. For details on the screw_info and nut_info structures, see screw_info() and nut_info().

All of the screw related modules set the variable $screw_spec to contain the specification for their screw. This means that child modules can make use of this variable to create mating (or identical) parts. Note that the shaft_oversize and head_oversize screw info fields are only inherited into modules that are the same as the parent module. This means that if you create an oversized screw hole and then make a screw as s child, the child screw will not inherit the oversize parameters. But a screw_hole will inherit oversize parameters from a parent screw_hole.

Section: Making Screws

Module: screw()

Synopsis: Creates a standard screw with optional tolerances. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw_hole(), shoulder_screw()

Usage:

  • screw([spec], [head], [drive], [thread=], [drive_size=], [length=|l=], [thread_len=], [undersize=], [shaft_undersize=], [head_undersize=], [tolerance=], [blunt_start=], [details=], [anchor=], [atype=], [orient=], [spin=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Create a screw. See screw and nut parameters for details on the parameters that define a screw. The tolerance determines the dimensions of the screw based on ISO and ASME standards. Screws fabricated at those dimensions will mate properly with standard hardware. Note that the $slop argument does not affect the size of screws: it only adjusts screw holes. This will work fine if you are printing both parts, but if you need to mate printed screws to metal parts you may need to adjust the size of the screws, which you can do with the undersize arguments.

You can generate a screw specification from screw_info(), possibly create a modified version using struct_set(), and pass that in rather than giving the parameters.

Various anchor types refer to different parts of the screw, some of which are labeled below. The "screw" anchor type (the default) is simply the entire screw, so TOP and BOTTOM refer to the head end and tip respectively, and CENTER is the midpoint of the whole screw, including the head. The "head" anchor refers to the head alone. Both of these anchor types refer to the bounding cylinder for the specified screw part, except for hex heads, which anchor to a hexagonal prism.

Figure 2.1.1:

screw() Figure 2.1.1

Arguments:

By Position What it does
spec screw specification, e.g. "M5x1" or "#8-32". See screw naming. This can also be a screw specification structure of the form produced by screw_info().
head head type. See screw heads Default: none
drive drive type. See screw heads Default: none
By Name What it does
length / l length of screw (in mm)
thread thread type or specification. See screw pitch. Default: "coarse"
drive_size size of drive recess to override computed value
thread_len length of threaded portion of screw (in mm), for making partly threaded screws. Default: fully threaded
details toggle some details in rendering. Default: true
tolerance screw tolerance. Determines actual screw thread geometry based on nominal sizing. See tolerance. Default is "2A" for UTS and "6g" for ISO.
undersize amount to decrease screw diameter, a scalar to apply to all parts, or a 2-vector to control shaft and head. Replaces rather than adding to the head_oversize value in a screw specification.
shaft_undersize amount to decrease diameter of the shaft of screw; replaces rather than adding to the shaft_oversize value in a screw specification.
head_undersize amount to decrease the head diameter of the screw; replaces rather than adding to the head_oversize value in a screw specification.
bevel1 bevel bottom end of screw. Default: true
bevel2 bevel top end of threaded section. Default: true for fully threaded or unthreaded headless, false otherwise
bevel bevel both ends of the threaded section.
blunt_start if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads. Default: true
blunt_start1 if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads at bottom end.
blunt_start2 if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads top end.
atype anchor type, one of "screw", "head", "shaft", "threads", "shank"
anchor Translate so anchor point on the shaft is at origin (0,0,0). See anchor. Default: CENTER
spin Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor. See spin. Default: 0
orient Vector to rotate top towards, after spin. See orient. Default: UP

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Anchor Types:

Anchor Type What it is
screw the entire screw (default)
head screw head (invalid for headless screws)
shaft screw shaft
shank unthreaded section of shaft (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
threads threaded section of screw

Named Anchors:

Anchor Name Position
"top" top of screw
"bot" bottom of screw
"center" center of screw
"head_top" top of head (same as top for headless screws)
"head_bot" bottom of head (same as top for headless screws)
"head_center" center of head (same as top for headless screws)
"shaft_top" top of shaft
"shaft_bot" bottom of shaft
"shaft_center" center of shaft
"shank_top" top of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"shank_bot" bottom of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"shank_center" center of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"threads_top" top of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_bot" bottom of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_center" center of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)

Example 1: Selected UTS (English) screws

screw() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=32;
xdistribute(spacing=8){
  screw("#6", length=12);
  screw("#6-32", head="button", drive="torx",length=12);
  screw("#6-32,3/4", head="hex");
  screw("#6", thread="fine", head="fillister",length=12, drive="phillips");
  screw("#6", head="flat small",length=12,drive="slot");
  screw("#6-32", head="flat large", length=12, drive="torx");
  screw("#6-32", head="flat undercut",length=12);
  screw("#6-24", head="socket",length=12);          // Non-standard threading
  screw("#6-32", drive="hex", drive_size=1.5, length=12);
}

Example 2: A few examples of ISO (metric) screws

screw() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=32;
xdistribute(spacing=8){
  screw("M3", head="flat small",length=12);
  screw("M3", head="button",drive="torx",length=12);
  screw("M3", head="pan", drive="phillips",length=12);
  screw("M3x1", head="pan", drive="slot",length=12);   // Non-standard threading!
  screw("M3", head="flat large",length=12);
  screw("M3", thread="none", head="flat", drive="hex",length=12);  // No threads
  screw("M3", head="socket",length=12);
  screw("M5,18", head="hex");
}

Example 3: Demonstration of all head types for UTS screws (using pitch zero for fast preview)

screw() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
xdistribute(spacing=15){
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="none", drive="hex");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="none", drive="torx");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="none", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="none");
  }
  screw("1/4", thread=0, length=8, anchor=TOP, head="hex");
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket", drive="hex");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket", drive="torx");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket ribbed", drive="hex",$fn=32);
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket ribbed", drive="torx",$fn=32);
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="socket ribbed",$fn=24);
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="button", drive="hex");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="button", drive="torx");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="button");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="round", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="round", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="round");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="pan", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="pan", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="pan");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="fillister", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="fillister", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="fillister");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat", drive="hex");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat", drive="torx");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat large");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat small");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat undercut", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat undercut", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat undercut");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat 100", drive="slot");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat 100", drive="phillips");
     screw("1/4", thread=0,length=8, anchor=TOP, head="flat 100");
  }
}

Example 4: Demonstration of all head types for metric screws without threading.

screw() Example 4 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
xdistribute(spacing=15){
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="none", drive="hex");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="none", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="none", drive="slot");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP);
  }
  screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="hex");
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket", drive="hex");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket ribbed", drive="hex", $fn=32);
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket ribbed", drive="torx", $fn=32);
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="socket ribbed", $fn=32);
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="pan", drive="slot");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="pan", drive="phillips");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="pan", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="pan");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="pan flat");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="button", drive="hex");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="button", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="button");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="cheese", drive="slot");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="cheese", drive="phillips");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="cheese", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="cheese");
  }
  ydistribute(spacing=15){
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat", drive="phillips");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat", drive="slot");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat", drive="hex");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat", drive="torx");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat small");
    screw("M6x0", length=8, anchor=TOP,  head="flat large");
  }
}

Example 5: The three different English (UTS) screw tolerances (labeled on their heads)

screw() Example 5 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
module label(val)
{
  difference(){
     children();
     yflip()linear_extrude(height=.35) text(val,valign="center",halign="center",size=8);
  }
}
$fn=64;
xdistribute(spacing=15){
  label("1") screw("1/4-20,5/8", head="hex",orient=DOWN,atype="head", anchor=TOP,tolerance="1A");  // Loose
  label("2") screw("1/4-20,5/8", head="hex",orient=DOWN,atype="head", anchor=TOP,tolerance="2A");  // Standard
  label("3") screw("1/4-20,5/8", head="hex",orient=DOWN,atype="head", anchor=TOP,tolerance="3A");  // Tight
}

Example 6: This example shows the gap between nut and bolt at the loosest tolerance for UTS. This gap is what enables the parts to mesh without binding and is part of the definition for standard metal hardware. Note that this gap is part of the standard definition for the metal hardware, not the 3D printing adjustment provided by the $slop parameter.

screw() Example 6 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=32;
projection(cut=true)xrot(-90){
    screw("1/4-20,3/8", head="hex",orient=UP,anchor=BOTTOM,tolerance="1A");
    down(INCH*1/20*1.5) nut("1/4-20", thickness=8, nutwidth=0.5*INCH, tolerance="1B");
}

Example 7: Here is a screw with nonstandard threading and a weird head size, which we create by modifying the screw structure:

screw() Example 7 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
spec = screw_info("M6x2,12",head="socket");
newspec = struct_set(spec,["head_size",20,"head_height",3]);
screw(newspec);



Example 8: A bizarre custom screw with nothing standard about it. If your screw is very strange, consider setting tolerance to zero so you get exactly the screw you defined. You'll need to create your own clearance between mating threads in this case.

screw() Example 8 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
spec = [["system","ISO"],
        ["type","screw_info"],
        ["pitch", 2.3],
        ["head", "flat"],
        ["head_size", 20],
        ["head_size_sharp", 22],
        ["head_angle", 60],
        ["diameter",12],
        ["length",22]];
screw(spec,tolerance=0);



Module: screw_hole()

Synopsis: Creates a screw hole. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw()

Usage:

  • screw_hole([spec], [head], [thread=], [length=|l=], [oversize=], [hole_oversize=], [teardrop=], [head_oversize], [tolerance=], [$slop=], [blunt_start=], [anchor=], [atype=], [orient=], [spin=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Create a screw hole mask. See screw and nut parameters for details on the parameters that define a screw. The screw hole can be threaded to receive a screw or it can be an unthreaded clearance hole. The tolerance determines the dimensions of the screw based on ISO and ASME standards. Screws fabricated at those dimensions will mate properly with standard hardware. The $slop argument makes the hole larger by 4*$slop to account for printing overextrusion. It defaults to 0.

You can generate a screw specification from screw_info(), possibly create a modified version, and pass that in rather than giving the parameters.

The tolerance should be a nut tolerance for a threaded hole or a clearance hole tolerance for clearance holes. For clearance holes, the UTS tolerances are "normal", "loose" and "close". ASME also specifies the same naming for metric clearance holes. However, ISO gives "fine", "medium" and "coarse" instead. This function accepts all of these in either system. It also takes "tight" to be equivalent to "close", even though no standard suggests it, because it's a natural opposite of "loose". The official tolerance designations for ISO are "H12" for "fine", "H13" for "medium" and "H14" for "coarse". These designations will also work, but only for metric holes. You can also set tolerance to 0 or "none" to produce holes at the nominal size.

If you want to produce holes for tapping you can use a tolerance of "tap". This produces a hole of the nominal screw diameter reduced by the thread pitch. You may still need to adjust $slop for best results. Some people screw machine screws directly into plastic without tapping. This works better with a somewhat larger hole, so a tolerance of "self tap" produces such a hole. Note that this tolerance also makes the default bevel2=true to bevel the top, which makes it much easier to start the screw. The "self tap" tolerance subtracts 0.72 * pitch when pitch is below 1mm, 0.6 * pitch when the pitch is over 1.5mm, and it interpolates between. It was tested in PLA with a Prusa MK3S and $slop=0.05 and worked on UTS screws from #2 up to 1/2 inch.

The counterbore parameter adds a cylindrical clearance hole above the screw shaft. For flat heads it extends above the flathead and for other screw types it replaces the head with a cylinder large enough in diameter for the head to fit. For a flat head you must specify the length of the counterbore. For other heads you can set counterbore to true and it will be sized to match the head height. The counterbore will extend 0.01 above the TOP of the hole mask to ensure no problems with differences. Note that the counterbore defaults to true for non-flathead screws. If you want the actual head shape to appear, set counterbore to zero.

For 3d printing circular holes can be problematic. One solution is to use octagonal holes, setting $fn=8. Another option is to use a teardrop hole, which can be accomplished by setting teardrop=true. The point of the teardrop will point in the Y direction (BACK) so you will need to ensure that you orient it correctly in your final model.

Anchoring for screw_hole() is the same as anchoring for screw(), with all the same anchor types and named anchors. If you specify a counterbore it is treated as the "head", or in the case of flat heads, it becomes part of the head. If you make a teardrop hole the point is ignored for purposes of anchoring.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
spec screw specification, e.g. "M5x1" or "#8-32". See screw naming. This can also be a screw specification structure of the form produced by screw_info().
head head type. See screw heads Default: none
By Name What it does
thread thread type or specification for threaded masks, true to make a threaded mask with the standard threads, or false to make an unthreaded mask. See screw pitch. Default: false
teardrop If true, adds a teardrop profile to the hole for 3d printability of horizontal holes. If numeric, specifies the proportional extra distance of the teardrop flat top from the screw center, or set to "max" for a pointed teardrop. Default: false
oversize amount to increase diameter of the screw hole (hole and countersink). A scalar or length 2 vector. Default: use computed tolerance
hole_oversize amount to increase diameter of the hole. Overrides the use of tolerance and replaces any settings given in the screw specification.
head_oversize amount to increase diameter of head. Overrides the user of tolerance and replaces any settings given in the screw specification.
length / l length of screw (in mm)
counterbore set to length of counterbore, or true to make a counterbore equal to head height. Default: false for flat heads and headless, true otherwise
tolerance threading or clearance hole tolerance. For internal threads, detrmines actual thread geometry based on nominal sizing. See tolerance. Default is "2B" for UTS and 6H for ISO. For clearance holes, determines how much clearance to add. Default is "normal".
bevel if true create bevel at both ends of hole. Default: see below
bevel1 if true create bevel at bottom end of hole. Default: false
bevel2 if true create bevel at top end of hole. Default: true when tolerance="self tap", false otherwise
blunt_start if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads. Default: true
blunt_start1 if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads at bottom end.
blunt_start2 if true and hole is threaded, create blunt start threads top end.
$slop add extra gap to account for printer overextrusion. Default: 0
atype anchor type, one of "screw", "head", "shaft", "threads", "shank"
anchor Translate so anchor point on the shaft is at origin (0,0,0). See anchor. Default: CENTER
spin Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor. See spin. Default: 0
orient Vector to rotate top towards, after spin. See orient. Default: UP

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Anchor Types:

Anchor Type What it is
screw the entire screw (default)
head screw head (invalid for headless screws)
shaft screw shaft
shank unthreaded section of shaft (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
threads threaded section of screw

Named Anchors:

Anchor Name Position
"top" top of screw
"bot" bottom of screw
"center" center of screw
"head_top" top of head (invalid for headless screws)
"head_bot" bottom of head (invalid for headless screws)
"head_center" center of head (invalid for headless screws)
"shaft_top" top of shaft
"shaft_bot" bottom of shaft
"shaft_center" center of shaft
"shank_top" top of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"shank_bot" bottom of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"shank_center" center of shank (invalid if screw is fully threaded)
"threads_top" top of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_bot" bottom of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_center" center of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)

Example 1: Counterbored clearance hole

screw\_hole() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
diff()
  cuboid(20)
    attach(TOP)
      screw_hole("1/4-20,.5",head="socket",counterbore=5,anchor=TOP);

Example 2: Clearance hole for flathead

screw\_hole() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
diff()
  cuboid(20)
    attach(TOP)
       screw_hole("1/4-20,.5",head="flat",counterbore=0,anchor=TOP);

Example 3: Threaded hole, with inward bevel at the base

screw\_hole() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
bottom_half()
  diff()
    cuboid(20)
      attach(FRONT)
        screw_hole("M16,15",anchor=TOP,thread=true,bevel1="reverse");

Module: shoulder_screw()

Synopsis: Creates a shoulder screw. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • shoulder_screw(s, d, length, [head=], [thread_len=], [tolerance=], [head_size=], [drive=], [drive_size=], [thread=], [undersize=], [shaft_undersize=], [head_undersize=], [shoulder_undersize=],[atype=],[anchor=],[orient=],[spin=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Create a shoulder screw. See screw and nut parameters for details on the parameters that define a screw. The tolerance determines the dimensions of the screw based on ISO and ASME standards. Screws fabricated at those dimensions will mate properly with standard hardware. Note that the $slop argument does not affect the size of screws: it only adjusts screw holes. This will work fine if you are printing both parts, but if you need to mate printed screws to metal parts you may need to adjust the size of the screws, which you can do with the undersize arguments.

Unlike a regular screw, a shoulder screw is based on its shoulder dimensions: diameter and length. The ISO and ASME standards specify for a given shoulder diameter the thread size and even the length of the threads. Note that these standards specify only a small range of sizes. You can specify a shoulder screw by giving the system, either "ISO" or "UTS" and the shoulder diameter and length, and shoulder_screw() will supply the other parameters.

Hardware sources like McMaster sell many screws that don't comply with the standards. If you want to make such a screw then you can specify parameters like thread_len, the length of the threaded portion below the shoulder, and you can choose a different head type. You will need to specify the size of the head, since it cannot be looked up in tables. You can also generate a screw specification from screw_info(), possibly create a modified version using struct_set(), and pass that in rather than giving the parameters.

The anchors and anchor types are the same as for screw() except that there is an anchor type for the shoulder and an additional set of named anchors refering to parts of the shoulder.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
s screw system to use, case insensitive, either "ISO", "UTS", "english" or "metric", or a screw name or specification. See screw naming.
d nominal shoulder diameter in mm for ISO or inches for UTS
length length of the shoulder (in mm)
By Name What it does
thread_len length of threads
tolerance screw tolerance. Determines actual screw thread geometry based on nominal sizing. See tolerance. Default is "2A" for UTS and "6g" for ISO.
drive drive type. See screw heads set to "none" for no drive. Default: "hex"
drive_size size of the drive recess
thread thread type or specification. See screw pitch. Default: "coarse"
spec screw specification to define the thread size
head_size scalar or vector to give width or [width, height]. If you only give width, height is computed using a formula for socket heads. For flat head screws the second value in the vector is the sharp size; if you don't give it then the sharp size will be 12% more than the given size

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Anchor Types:

Anchor Type What it is
screw the entire screw (default)
head screw head (invalid for headless screws)
shoulder the shoulder
shaft screw shaft
threads threaded section of screw

Named Anchors:

Anchor Name Position
"top" top of screw
"bot" bottom of screw
"center" center of screw
"head_top" top of head (invalid for headless screws)
"head_bot" bottom of head (invalid for headless screws)
"head_center" center of head (invalid for headless screws)
"shoulder_top" top of shoulder
"shoulder_bot" bottom of shoulder
"shoulder_center" center of shoulder
"shaft_top" top of shaft
"shaft_bot" bottom of shaft
"shaft_center" center of shaft
"threads_top" top of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_bot" bottom of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)
"threads_center" center of threaded portion of screw (invalid if thread_len=0)

Example 1: ISO shoulder screw

shoulder\_screw() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("iso",10,length=20);



Example 2: English shoulder screw

shoulder\_screw() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("english",1/2,length=20);



Example 3: Custom example. You must specify thread_len and head_size when creating custom configurations.

shoulder\_screw() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("M6", 9.3, length=17, thread_len=8, head_size=14);

Example 4: Another custom example:

shoulder\_screw() Example 4 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("M6", 9.3, length=17, thread_len=8, head_size=14, head="button", drive="torx");

Example 5: Threadless

shoulder\_screw() Example 5 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("iso",10,length=15,thread=0);



Example 6: No drive recess

shoulder\_screw() Example 6 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("iso",10,length=15,drive="none");



Example 7: Headless

shoulder\_screw() Example 7 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("iso", 16, length=20, head="none");



Example 8: Changing head height

shoulder\_screw() Example 8 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
shoulder_screw("iso", 16, length=20, head_size=[24,5]);



Module: screw_head()

Synopsis: Creates a screw head. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • screw_head(screw_info, [details],[counterbore],[flat_height],[teardrop],[internal])

Description:

Draws the screw head described by the data structure screw_info, which should have the fields produced by screw_info(). See that function for details on the fields. Standard orientation is with the head centered at (0,0) and oriented in the +z direction. Flat heads appear below the xy plane. Other heads appear sitting on the xy plane.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
screw_info structure produced by screw_info()
By Name What it does
details true for more detailed model. Default: false
counterbore counterbore height. Default: no counterbore
flat_height height of flat head (required for flat heads)
teardrop if true make flatheads and counterbores teardrop shaped with the flat 5% away from the edge of the screw. If numeric, specify the fraction of extra to add. Set to "max" for a pointed teardrop. Default: false
slop enlarge diameter by this extra amount (beyond that specified in the screw specification). Default: 0

Section: Nuts and nut traps

Module: nut()

Synopsis: Creates a standard nut. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • nut([spec], [shape], [thickness], [nutwidth], [thread=], [tolerance=], [hole_oversize=], [bevel=], [$slop=], [anchor=], [spin=], [orient=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Generates a hexagonal or square nut. See screw and nut parameters for details on the parameters that define a nut. As with screws, you can give the specification in spec and then omit the name. The diameter is the flat-to-flat size of the nut produced. The thickness can be "thin", "normal" or "thick" to choose standard nut dimensions. For metric nuts you can also use thickness values of "DIN" or "undersized". The nut's shape is hexagonal by default; set shape to "square" for a square nut.

By default all nuts have the internal holes beveled and hex nuts have their corners beveled. Square nuts get no outside bevel by default. ASME specifies that small square nuts should not be beveled, and many square nuts are beveled only on one side. The bevel angle, specified with bevang, gives the angle for the bevel. The default of 15 is shallow and may not be printable. Internal hole are beveled at 45 deg by the depth of one thread.

The tolerance determines the actual thread sizing based on the nominal size in accordance with standards. The $slop parameter determines extra gaps left to account for printing overextrusion. It defaults to 0.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
spec nut specification, e.g. "M5x1" or "#8-32". See screw naming. This can also be a nut or screw specification structure of the form produced by nut_info() or screw_info().
shape "hex" or "square" to specify nut shape. Default: "hex"
thickness "thin", "normal", "thick", or a thickness in mm. See nuts. Default: "normal"
By Name What it does
nutwidth width of nut (overrides table values)
thread thread type or specification. See screw pitch. Default: "coarse"
hole_oversize amount to increase hole diameter. Default: 0
bevel if true, bevel the outside of the nut. Default: true for hex nuts, false for square nuts
bevel1 if true, bevel the outside of the nut bottom.
bevel2 if true, bevel the outside of the nut top.
bevang set the angle for the outside nut bevel. Default: 15
ibevel if true, bevel the inside (the hole). Default: true
ibevel1 if true bevel the inside, bottom end.
ibevel2 if true bevel the inside, top end.
blunt_start If true apply truncated blunt start threads at both ends. Default: true
blunt_start1 If true apply truncated blunt start threads bottom end.
blunt_start2 If true apply truncated blunt start threads top end.
tolerance nut tolerance. Determines actual nut thread geometry based on nominal sizing. See tolerance. Default is "2B" for UTS and "6H" for ISO.
$slop extra space left to account for printing over-extrusion. Default: 0
anchor Translate so anchor point is at origin (0,0,0). See anchor. Default: CENTER
spin Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor. See spin. Default: 0
orient Vector to rotate top towards, after spin. See orient. Default: UP

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Example 1: All the UTS nuts at one size. Note that square nuts come in only one thickness.

nut() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
xdistribute(spacing=0.75*INCH){
    nut("3/8",thickness="thin");
    nut("3/8",thickness="normal");
    nut("3/8",thickness="thick");
    nut("3/8",shape="square");
}



Example 2: All the ISO (and DIN) nuts at one size. Note that M10 is one of the four cases where the DIN nut width is larger.

nut() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
ydistribute(spacing=30){
   xdistribute(spacing=22){
      nut("M10", thickness="thin");
      nut("M10",thickness="undersized");
      nut("M10",thickness="normal");
      nut("M10",thickness="thick");
   }
   xdistribute(spacing=25){
      nut("M10", shape="square", thickness="thin");
      nut("M10", shape="square", thickness="normal");
   }
}



Example 3: The three different UTS nut tolerances (thickner than normal nuts)

nut() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
module mark(number)
{
  difference(){
     children();
     ycopies(n=number, spacing=1.5)right(.25*INCH-2)up(8-.35)cyl(d=1, h=1);
  }
}
$fn=64;
xdistribute(spacing=17){
  mark(1) nut("1/4-20", thickness=8, nutwidth=0.5*INCH,tolerance="1B");
  mark(2) nut("1/4-20", thickness=8, nutwidth=0.5*INCH,tolerance="2B");
  mark(3) nut("1/4-20", thickness=8, nutwidth=0.5*INCH,tolerance="3B");
}

Example 4: Threadless nut

nut() Example 4 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut("#8", thread="none");



Module: nut_trap_side()

Synopsis: Creates a side nut trap mask. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • nut_trap_side(trap_width, [spec], [shape], [thickness], [nutwidth=], [poke_len=], [poke_diam=], [$slop=], [anchor=], [orient=], [spin=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Create a nut trap that extends sideways, so the nut slides in perpendicular to the screw axis. The CENTER anchor is the center of the screw hole location in the trap. The trap width is measured from the screw hole center point. You can optionally create a poke hole to use for removing the nut by specifying a poke_len value that determines the length of the poke hole, measured from the screw center. The diameter of the poke hole defaults to the thickness of the nut. The nut dimensions will be increased by 2*$slop to allow adjusting the fit of the trap for your printer. The trap will have a default tag of "remove" if no other tag is in force.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
trap_width width of nut trap, measured from screw center, must be larger than half the nut width (If spec is omitted this argument must be given by name.)
spec nut specification, e.g. "M5" or "#8". See screw naming. This can also be a screw or nut specification structure of the form produced by nut_info() or screw_info().
shape "hex" or "square" to specify the shape of the nut. Default: "hex"
thickness "thin", "normal", or "thick". "DIN" or "undersized" for metric nuts. See nuts. Default: "normal"
By Name What it does
nutwidth width of the nut. Default: determined from tables
poke_len length of poke hole. Default: no poke hole
poke_diam diameter of poke hole. Default: nut thickness
$slop extra space left to account for printing over-extrusion. Default: 0
anchor Translate so anchor point is at origin (0,0,0). See anchor. Default: BOTTOM
spin Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor. See spin. Default: 0
orient Vector to rotate top towards, after spin. See orient. Default: UP

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Example 1: Basic trap. Note that screw center is at the origin and the width is measured from the origin.

nut\_trap\_side() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_side(10, "#8");



Example 2: Trap with poke hole for removing nut. The poke hole length is also measured from the screw center at the origin

nut\_trap\_side() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=16;
nut_trap_side(10, "#8", poke_len=10);



Example 3: Trap for square nut

nut\_trap\_side() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=16;
nut_trap_side(10, "#8", shape="square", poke_len=10);



Example 4: Trap with looser fit

nut\_trap\_side() Example 4 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_side(10, "#8", $slop=0.1);



Example 5: Trap placed at the bottom of a screw hole

nut\_trap\_side() Example 5 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=24;
screw_hole("#8,1")
  position(BOT) nut_trap_side(10,poke_len=8);



Example 6: Trap placed at the bottom of a screw hole 2mm extra screw hole below the trap

nut\_trap\_side() Example 6 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=24;
screw_hole("#8,1")
  up(2) position(BOT) nut_trap_side(trap_width=10,poke_len=8);



Example 7: Hole-trap assembly removed from an object

nut\_trap\_side() Example 7 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fn=24;
back_half()
diff()
cuboid(30)
   position(TOP)screw_hole("#8,1",anchor=TOP)
     position(BOT) nut_trap_side(trap_width=16);



Example 8: Hole-trap assembly where we position the trap relative to a feature on the model and then position the screw hole through the trap as a child to the trap.

nut\_trap\_side() Example 8 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
diff()
 cuboid([30,30,20])
   position(RIGHT)cuboid([4,20,3],anchor=LEFT)
     right(1)position(TOP+LEFT)nut_trap_side(15, "#8",anchor=BOT+RIGHT)
       screw_hole(length=20,anchor=BOT);

Module: nut_trap_inline()

Synopsis: Creates an inline nut trap mask. [Geom]

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • nut_trap_inline(length|l|heigth|h, [spec], [shape], [$slop=], [anchor=], [orient=], [spin=]) [ATTACHMENTS];

Description:

Create a nut trap that extends along the axis of the screw. The nut width will be increased by 2*$slop to allow adjusting the fit of the trap for your printer. If no tag is present the trap will be tagged with "remove". Note that you can omit the specification and it will be inherited from a parent screw_hole to provide the screw size. It's also possible to do this backwards, to declare a trap at a screw size and make a child screw hole, which will inherit the screw dimensions.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
length / l / height / h length/height of nut trap
spec nut specification, e.g. "M5" or "#8". See screw naming. This can also be a screw or nut specification structure of the form produced by nut_info() or screw_info().
shape "hex" or "square to determine type of nut. Default: "hex"
By Name What it does
$slop extra space left to account for printing over-extrusion. Default: 0
anchor Translate so anchor point is at origin (0,0,0). See anchor. Default: TOP
spin Rotate this many degrees around the Z axis after anchor. See spin. Default: 0
orient Vector to rotate top towards, after spin. See orient. Default: UP

Side Effects:

  • $screw_spec is set to the spec specification structure.

Example 1: Basic trap

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 1 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_inline(10, "#8");



Example 2: Basic trap with allowance for a looser fit

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 2 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_inline(10, "#8", $slop=.1);



Example 3: Square trap (just a cube, but hopefully just the right size)

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 3 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_inline(10, "#8", shape="square");



Example 4: Attached to a screw hole

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 4 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
screw_hole("#8,1",head="socket",counterbore=true, $fn=32)
  position(BOT) nut_trap_inline(10);



Example 5: Nut trap with child screw hole

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 5 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
nut_trap_inline(10, "#8")
  position(TOP)screw_hole(length=10,anchor=BOT,head="flat",$fn=32);

Example 6: a pipe clamp

nut\_trap\_inline() Example 6 
include <BOSL2/std.scad>
include <BOSL2/screws.scad>
$fa=5;$fs=0.5;
bardiam = 32;
bandwidth = 10;
thickness = 3;
back_half()
diff()
  tube(id=bardiam, wall = thickness, h=bandwidth, orient=BACK)
    left(thickness/2) position(RIGHT) cube([bandwidth, bandwidth, 14], anchor = LEFT, orient=FWD)
    {
       screw_hole("#4",length=12, head="socket",counterbore=6,anchor=CENTER)
          position(BOT) nut_trap_inline(l=6,anchor=BOT);
       tag("remove")right(1)position(RIGHT)cube([11+thickness, 11, 2], anchor = RIGHT);
    }

Section: Screw and Nut Information

Function: screw_info()

Synopsis: Returns the dimensions and other info for the given screw.

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • info = screw_info(name, [head], [drive], [thread=], [drive_size=], [oversize=], [head_oversize=])

Description:

Look up screw characteristics for the specified screw type. See screw and nut parameters for details on the parameters that define a screw.

The oversize= parameter adds the specified amount to the screw and head diameter to make an oversized screw. Does not affect length, thread pitch or head height.

Note that flat head screws are defined by two different diameters, the theoretical maximum diameter, "head_size_sharp" and the actual diameter, "head_size". The screw form is defined using the theoretical maximum, which gives sharp circular edge at the top of the screw. Real screws have a flat chamfer around the edge.

Figure 4.1.1: Flat head screw geometry

screw\_info() Figure 4.1.1

The output is a struct with the following fields:

Field What it is
"type" Always set to "screw_info"
"system" Either "UTS" or "ISO" (used for correct tolerance computation).
"origin" Module that generated the structure
"name" Screw name used to make the structure
"diameter" The nominal diameter of the screw shaft in mm.
"pitch" The thread pitch in mm. (0 for no threads)
"head" The type of head (a string)
"head_size" Size of the head (usually diameter) in mm.
"head_size_sharp" Theoretical head diameter for a flat head screw if it is made with sharp edges (or for countersinks)
"head_angle" Countersink angle for flat heads.
"head_height" Height of the head beyond the screw's nominal length. The screw's total length is "length" + "head_height". For flat heads "head_height" is zero, because they do not extend the screw.
"drive" The drive type ("phillips", "torx", "slot", "hex", "none")
"drive_size" The drive size, either a drive number (phillips, torx) or a dimension in mm (hex, slot).
"drive_depth" Depth of the drive recess.
"length" Length of the screw in mm measured in the customary fashion. For flat head screws the total length and for other screws, the length from the bottom of the head to the screw tip.
"thread_len" Length of threaded portion of screw in mm
"shaft_oversize" Amount to oversize the threads
"head_oversize" Amount to oversize the head

If you want to define a custom drive for a screw you will need to provide the drive size and drive depth.

Arguments:

By Position What it does
name screw specification, e.g. "M5x1" or "#8-32". See screw naming.
head head type. See screw heads Default: none
drive drive type. See screw heads Default: none
By Name What it does
thread thread type or specification. See screw pitch. Default: "coarse"
drive_size size of drive recess to override computed value
shaft_oversize amount to increase screw diameter for clearance holes. Default: 0
head_oversize amount to increase head diameter for countersink holes. Default: 0

Function: nut_info()

Synopsis: Returns the dimensions and other info for the given nut.

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • nut_spec = nut_info(name, [shape], [thickness=], [thread=], [width=], [hole_oversize=]);

Description:

Produces a nut specification structure that describes a nut. You can specify the width and thickness numerically, or you can let the width be calculated automatically from the thread specification. The thickness can be "normal" (the default) or "thin" or "thick". Note that square nuts are only available in "normal" thickness, and "thin" and "thick" nuts are only available for 1/4 inch and above.

The output is a struct with the following fields:

Field What it is
"type" Always set to "nut_info"
"system" Either "UTS" or "ISO" (used for correct tolerance computation).
"origin" Module that created the structure
"name" Name used to specify threading, such as "M6" or "#8"
"diameter" The nominal diameter of the screw hole in mm.
"pitch" The thread pitch in mm. (0 for no threads)
"shape" Shape of the nut, either "hex" or "square"
"width" Flat to flat width of the nut
"thickness" Thickness of the nut
"shaft_oversize" amount to oversize the threads (not including $slop)

Arguments:

By Position What it does
name screw name, e.g. "M5x1" or "#8-32". See screw naming.
shape shape of the nut, either "hex" or "square". Default: "hex"
By Name What it does
thread thread type or specification. See screw pitch. Default: "coarse"
thickness thickness of the nut (in mm) or one of "thin", "normal", or "thick". Default: "normal"
width width of nut in mm. Default: computed from thread specification
hole_oversize amount ot increase diameter of hole in nut. Default: 0

Function: thread_specification()

Synopsis: Returns the thread geometry for a given screw.

Topics: Threading, Screws

See Also: screw(), screw_hole()

Usage:

  • thread_specification(screw_spec, [tolerance], [internal])

Description:

Determines actual thread geometry for a given screw with specified tolerance and nominal size. See tolerance for information on tolerances. If tolerance is omitted the default is used. If tolerance is "none" or 0 then return the nominal thread geometry. When internal=true the nut tolerance is used.

The return value is a structure with the following fields:

  • pitch: the thread pitch
  • d_major: major diameter range
  • d_pitch: pitch diameter range
  • d_minor: minor diameter range
  • basic: vector [minor, pitch, major] of the nominal or "basic" diameters for the threads

Arguments:

By Position What it does
screw_spec screw specification structure
tolerance thread geometry tolerance. Default: For ISO, "6g" for screws, "6H" for internal threading (nuts). For UTS, "2A" for screws, "2B" for internal threading (nuts).
internal true for internal threads. Default: false

Home – Table of Contents – Functions Index – Topics – Cheat Sheet – Tutorials

Indices

Table of Contents
Function Index
Topics Index
Cheat Sheet
Tutorials

List of Files:

Basic Modeling:

Advanced Modeling:

Math:

Data Management:

Threaded Parts:

Parts:

Footnotes:

STD = Included in std.scad

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