threadlib/README.rst

.. image:: docs/imgs/logo.png
        :alt: bolt-in-nut logo

threadlib is a library of standard threads for OpenSCAD. It is based on Helges
excellent `threadprofile.scad
<https://github.com/MisterHW/IoP-satellite/tree/master/OpenSCAD%20bottle%20threads>`__
to create nice threads with lead-in / lead-out tapers. Check out his `article on
generating nice threads
<https://hackaday.io/page/5252-generating-nice-threads-in-openscad>`__ on
Hackaday.

In contrast to other thread libraries, threadlib does not make you look up
diameters and pitches and maybe even thread-profiles in tables and norms: It has
these tables built in.

Creating a thread is as simple as

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        thread("G1/2-ext", turns=10);

.. image:: docs/imgs/thread-G1o2-ext-10turns.png
        :alt: bolt-in-nut logo

to create a British Standard Pipe parallel external thread. 


Why you may want to use threadlib
==================================

- really easy to use
- creates nice threads
- configurable higbee arc
- creates working threads (clearances are left for production tolerances)
- flexible:
  - choose the $fn you need to fit the rest of your design
  - let threadlib tell you the thread specs so you can do with them what *you*
    want
- extensible: Add your own threads
- tried and tested in the real world: Um no, not yet. But with your help, it
  will soon be.


===========================
Usage
===========================

To create a bolt (without head) with 5 turns of M4 thread:

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        bolt("M4", turns=5, higbee_arc=30);

.. image:: docs/imgs/bolt-M4.png
        :alt: Bolt with M4 thread

See these nice lead-in / lead-outs? Try a nut (this time using the default
argument for higbee_arc):

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        nut("M12x0.5", turns=10, Douter=16);

.. image:: docs/imgs/nut-M12x0.5.png
        :alt: M12x0.5 nut

Note that for a nut you also have to specify an outer diameter. The inner
diameter is implicitly given by the thread designator ("M12x0.5" in this case).

If you only need the threads alone:

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        thread("G1/2-ext", turns=5);

.. image:: docs/imgs/thread-G1o2-ext.png
        :alt: G1/2 external thread
 
Then, add the support you want. In the simplest case, a cylinder (which is what
nut(...) uses):

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        specs = thread_specs("G2 1/2-ext");
        P = specs[0]; Rrot = specs[1]; Dsupport = specs[2];
        section_profile = specs[3];
        H = (5 + 1) * P;
        translate([0, 0, -P / 2])
            cylinder(h=H, d=Dsupport, $fn=120);

.. image:: docs/imgs/flexible.png
        :alt: G1/2 bolt

Here, we have used the function thread_specs(...) to look up the threads
specifications - including the recommended diameter of the support structure.


===========================
List of supported threads
===========================

Currently, threadlib knows these threads:

- Metric threads (coarse, fine, and super-fine pitches) M0.25 to M600
- British Standard Pipe Parallel Threads G1/16 to G6
- PCO-1881 (PET-bottle thread)


===========================
Extensibility
===========================

Don't find some of the threads you need for your project? Don't worry: You can
add your own:

.. code-block:: OpenSCAD

        use <threadlib/threadlib.scad>

        MY_THREAD_TABLE = [
                           ["special", [pitch, Rrot, Dsupport,
                           [[r0, z0], [r1, z1], ..., [rn, zn]]]]
                           ];

        thread("special", turns=15, table=MY_THREAD_TABLE);

Care to share? Safe others from repeating the valuable work you have already
accomplished and get the fame you deserve: Send in your tried and tested threads
for addition to threadlib!


===========================
Change Log
===========================

- 0.2: Metric threads, PCO-1881
- 0.1: Initial release supporting BSP parallel thread