Learn how to model physically accurate bolt or pipe threads by using the helix object
Summary:
(4:12) Create a Helix object (Create-Polygon Primitives-Helix)
(4:53) Adjust Helix object attributes as desired
- Coils: 10.6
- Height: 1.0
- Width: 1.015
- Radius: 0.05
- Subdivisions Axis: 3
- Subdivisions Coil: 50+
(7:55) Bevel the helix
- Double-click center edge of helix to select edge loop
- Bevel (Edit Mesh-Bevel)
- Fraction: 0.168
- Segments: 1
- Depth: 1
(9:40) Double-click the other edge loops to select. Translate and scale as desired to form the “trough” of the threads
- Control-click on the Y-Axis scale handle to proportionately scale on the X and Z-axes
(12:50) Delete the end caps of the helix object using Face Select mode
(13:10) Delete all inner faces of the helix object
- Shift-select one inner face of the helix, then double-click the face next to it to select a face loop
(13:50) Bridge both ends of the helix
- Shift-select 2 edges
- Shift-Right-click–Bridge
- Bridge Type: Linear Path
- Divisions: 0
(14:55) Bridge all gaps in the helix
- Double-click an inner edge to select the edge loop
- Control-select the ends to de-select
- Shift-Right-click–Bridge
- As long as there are an even number of edges selected, the bridge operation is smart enough to bridge all gaps in one action
(16:30) Add taper to the threads
- Double-click the end edge loop
- Press “B” to use Soft Selection mode
- Hold down B, Right-click and drag to adjust soft selection area
- Adjust tool settings in Tool Settings–Soft Selection
- Be sure to use Linear Falloff Curve
- Control-click on the Y-Axis of the scale tool to proportionately scale the X and Z-axes
(18:50) Cut the end
- Switch to top view and vertex mode
- Use the Multi-cut tool to slice across the mesh (Shift+Right-Click–Multi-Cut)
- Delete excess faces
(22:30) Cap the end
- Select edge loop
- Extrude (Shift+Right-click–Extrude)
- Fill Hole (Shift+Right-click–Fill Hole)
- Poke Face (Shift+Right-click–Poke Face)