Design a Screw in SolidWorks | Thread Modeling Tutorial

Master thread creation techniques in SolidWorks with this screw design tutorial
Perfect for mechanical designers and engineers

Video tutorial: Creating a metric screw in SolidWorks

Project Overview

This tutorial demonstrates how to model a standard metric screw (M6 x 1.0) in SolidWorks, covering both cosmetic and real thread creation methods. You'll learn essential techniques for mechanical part design.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create New Part

• Start a new Part document (mm units recommended)
• Save as "M6_Screw.sldprt"
• Set up appropriate document properties

Step 2: Sketch Screw Shank

• Select Front Plane and create a new sketch
• Draw a 6mm diameter circle (for M6 screw)
• Extrude to 30mm length (or your desired length)

Base cylinder for screw shank

Step 3: Create Screw Head

• Select the top face of the cylinder
• Sketch a hexagon (10mm across flats for M6)
• Extrude 4mm height to form hex head
• Add 30° chamfer to top edge

Step 4: Thread Creation Methods

Method 1: Cosmetic Thread

• Go to Insert > Annotations > Cosmetic Thread
• Select the cylindrical face
• Set to Metric Die
• Choose M6x1.0 thread specification

Method 2: Real Thread (Helix)

• Create reference plane at end of shank
• Sketch thread profile (60° triangle)
• Insert > Curve > Helix/Spiral
• Set pitch to 1.0mm, height 25mm
• Sweep cut the profile along helix

Step 5: Add Finishing Details

• Apply fillets to head-shank transition (0.5mm)
• Add chamfer to thread start point (45°)
• Apply material properties (steel recommended)

Completed Screw Design

Isometric view of completed screw

Detailed thread close-up

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Thread Designation	M6x1.0
Major Diameter	6.0 mm
Pitch	1.0 mm
Head Width	10 mm (across flats)
Head Height	4.0 mm

Design Tips

• For performance, use cosmetic threads unless you need physical geometry
• Create a design table for different screw sizes
• Consider adding thread relief at the shank end
• Save commonly used screws in your Design Library

Download Resources

Get the completed SolidWorks file for reference:

Download Screw Model (.SLDPRT)

Includes both cosmetic and real thread versions

For more mechanical design tutorials, visit our YouTube channel

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