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How to Make a Screw Thread in SOLIDWORKS

Creating a screw thread in SOLIDWORKS can be done using several methods depending on whether you need a realistic thread for manufacturing, a lightweight cosmetic representation, or a fully modeled helical thread.

Two common methods are:

1. Thread Tool — recommended for most applications
2. Helix + Swept Cut — useful when you need greater control over the thread geometry

For a standard metric thread such as M10 × 1.5, the Thread Tool is usually the easiest approach.

SOLIDWORKS Help: Editing Cosmetic Threads: Official guide for applying lightweight 2D texture thread annotations to save graphical overhead in large assemblies.

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Method 1: Thread Tool Recommended

The Thread feature is the quickest method for creating a modeled internal or external thread in SOLIDWORKS.

Step 1: Create a Cylindrical Part

Start a new part and create a cylinder.

For an external M10 thread, the nominal major diameter is:

10 mm

For example:

Sketch → Circle → Ø10 mm → Extruded Boss/Base

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Step 2: Select the Cylindrical Face

Select the cylindrical face where you want to create the thread.

Then go to:

Insert → Features → Thread

Depending on your SOLIDWORKS version, the Thread feature can also be accessed from the appropriate Features tools.

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Step 3: Select the Thread Type

In the Thread PropertyManager, select the appropriate:

Thread Type

For an M10 metric thread, choose the metric standard available in your installation.

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Step 4: Select the Thread Size

Choose:

M10

Then select the required pitch.

For a standard coarse M10 thread:

M10 × 1.5

Where:

• M10 = nominal thread diameter of 10 mm
• 1.5 mm = thread pitch

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Step 5: Set the Thread Length

Specify how far the thread should extend along the cylindrical surface.

For example:

Thread length = 25 mm

The actual length should match your design or manufacturing requirement.

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Step 6: Choose the Thread Direction

Select the appropriate direction:

• Right-hand
• Left-hand

A standard screw thread is normally right-hand unless the design specifically requires a left-hand thread.

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Step 7: Confirm the Feature

Click:

OK

SOLIDWORKS creates the modeled thread.

Your FeatureManager Design Tree will contain a Thread feature.

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Creating an Internal Thread

The same Thread Tool can be used to create an internal thread.

Step 1

Create a hole with the appropriate diameter.

For example, an M10 × 1.5 tapped hole typically uses a tap-drill size around:

8.5 mm

for a conventional full thread, although the exact recommended drill size depends on the thread standard, tolerance class, material, and required percentage of thread.

Step 2

Select the cylindrical internal face.

Step 3

Use:

Thread → Metric → M10 × 1.5

Step 4

Set the required thread depth.

Step 5

Click OK.

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Method 2: Helix + Swept Cut

The Helix + Swept Cut method gives you more control over the actual thread profile.

This method is useful when:

• You need a custom thread profile
• The standard Thread Tool does not provide the required geometry
• You need special thread dimensions
• You are modeling non-standard threads
• You want direct control over the helix

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Step 1: Create the Cylinder

Create a cylindrical shaft.

For an example:

Diameter = 10 mm

Length = 30 mm

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Step 2: Create a Helix

Select the appropriate circular face and create a sketch.

Go to:

Insert → Curve → Helix/Spiral

Set the required:

• Pitch
• Height
• Direction
• Start angle

For M10 × 1.5:

Pitch = 1.5 mm

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Step 3: Create the Thread Profile

Create a sketch on a plane that intersects the beginning of the helix.

Draw the desired thread profile.

A simplified profile can be based on a triangular shape.

The exact profile should follow the applicable thread standard when the model is intended for manufacturing.

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Step 4: Create a Swept Cut

Select:

Features → Swept Cut

Use:

Profile → Thread Profile

and:

Path → Helix

SOLIDWORKS cuts the profile along the helical path.

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Step 5: Confirm the Feature

Click:

OK

The cylinder now contains a modeled helical thread.

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Example: M10 × 1.5 Thread

Let’s create a basic external:

M10 × 1.5

thread.

Basic Specifications

Parameter	Value
Nominal diameter	10 mm
Pitch	1.5 mm
Thread type	Metric
Typical direction	Right-hand
Example thread length	20 mm

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Using the Thread Tool

The resulting model contains a modeled M10 × 1.5 external thread.

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Important: Thread Diameter and Pitch

A common mistake is to think that M10 × 1.5 means the thread is 10 mm deep.

It does not.

M10

The 10 represents the nominal diameter.

1.5

The 1.5 represents the axial distance between corresponding points on adjacent thread turns.

So:

M10 × 1.5

means:

10 mm nominal diameter + 1.5 mm pitch

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Modeled Thread vs Cosmetic Thread

SOLIDWORKS also supports cosmetic thread representations.

Cosmetic Thread

A cosmetic thread represents the thread without modeling every helical surface.

Modeled Thread

A modeled thread physically creates the thread geometry.

Feature	Cosmetic Thread	Modeled Thread
Lightweight	⭐	❌
Small file size	⭐	❌
Real geometry	❌	⭐
Manufacturing visualization	Good	Excellent
Rendering	Limited	⭐
Large assemblies	⭐	Can be heavy

For large assemblies, cosmetic threads are often preferable because fully modeled threads can significantly increase model complexity.

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When Should You Use Each Method?

Thread Tool

Use it when:

• The thread follows a standard
• You need a quick modeled thread
• You are designing normal fasteners
• You need internal or external threads
• You want a simpler workflow

Helix + Swept Cut

Use it when:

• The thread is non-standard
• You need a custom profile
• You need precise control over the helical geometry
• You are designing specialized components

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Tips for Creating Threads

1. Use the Correct Thread Standard

Select the appropriate standard, such as:

• Metric
• ANSI Inch
• Other supported standards

2. Verify the Pitch

Always confirm that the pitch matches the required fastener or tapped hole.

3. Add a Lead-In

For a realistic manufactured thread, consider adding an appropriate chamfer or lead-in at the thread entrance.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Modeled Threads

Thousands of detailed threads can make an assembly slow.

Use cosmetic representations when physical thread geometry isn’t necessary.

5. Check Manufacturing Requirements

For a production component, use the applicable engineering standard and specify the required:

• Thread size
• Pitch
• Tolerance class
• Thread depth
• Thread length
• Internal/external designation

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the easiest way to create a screw thread in SOLIDWORKS?

The Thread Tool is generally the easiest method for standard internal and external threads.

2. How do I create an M10 × 1.5 thread?

Select the cylindrical face, activate the Thread feature, select the metric thread standard, choose M10, and specify 1.5 mm pitch.

3. Can I create an internal thread?

Yes. The Thread Tool can create internal threads on cylindrical hole surfaces.

4. Can I create a custom thread?

Yes. A Helix + Swept Cut workflow provides greater control over custom thread geometry.

5. Should I model every thread in an assembly?

Usually not. Fully modeled threads can increase rebuild time and file size. For many assemblies, cosmetic threads are more efficient.

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Conclusion

There are two main ways to make a screw thread in SOLIDWORKS.

Method 1 — Thread Tool Recommended

Cylinder → Select Face → Thread → Select Standard → M10 × 1.5 → Set Length → OK

This is the best choice for most standard threads.

Method 2 — Helix + Swept Cut

Cylinder → Helix → Create Thread Profile → Swept Cut

This method is better when you need a custom or non-standard thread profile.

For the common M10 × 1.5 thread, the Thread Tool provides the simplest and most efficient workflow.

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