Working script to create metric bolts on the fly as block items (but some feedback needed)

Scripting
41

@Gijs, is it normal that the generated bolts are not threaded yet?

42

IMO this adds useless complexity to a scene. Instead Iā€™m adding a cosmetic thread only in the form of a curve.

1 Like
43

I agree and Iā€™ve noticed the helictical curve, but threads would be a nice option in the context of 3D printing. I often times generate a metric bold, scale it up, and use it as a base geometry for a printable screw connection.
For instance, the BoltGen add-on is nice, but has only imperial presets (I believe).

44

No this is not the case, metric also.

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45

@Rhino_Bulgaria here is a slightly better version that adds the metric bolts you mentioned, and organizes them into the correct block item layers.
addBolt_v0.8.py (18.9 KB)

1 Like
46

This works fantastic! Thank you for the effort to add these screw sizes! :slight_smile: I like that it could orient the screw even on the surface of a round tube, for example, which is very important for me.

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47

good to hear :slight_smile: btw, if you need other lengths than the one specified, simply change this in line 117:

    lengths=['12mm','16mm','20mm','25mm','30mm','40mm','50mm','60mm','70mm','80mm']
1 Like
48

Oh, yes, I was just looking for a way to make M8x35 mm and was unable to do it through the Command line. :slight_smile:

49

pls download the edited version above @Rhino_Bulgaria

50

btw2: if you normally use socket allen, then you might also want to change line 108 to:
bolttype= sc.sticky["bolttype"] if sc.sticky.has_key("bolttype") else 2

51

Yes, this is what I mostly use, however, sometimes I also need hex head screws, so I think that your script has me covered in all situations. :slight_smile:

I think that your script deserves its own icon. :wink:
Add bolt 2

3 Likes
52

I donā€™t know if you intend to continue this project or not, but I have some suggestions/requests.

1- Adding nuts (DIN 934) and washers (DIN 125)
2- Change main layer name to ā€œFastenersā€
3- An interactive pop-up window other than the command line (I think this is more time consuming and more difficult than the other two).

btw iā€™m using v1.0 (installed on PM)

2 Likes
53

Thanks! very useful!
How can I add M20? Thatā€™s the one I use the most.
Cheers.
D

55

Would Rhino users be willing to pay for a plug-in that does this?

2 Likes
56

that looks nice @DanBayn

Only one way to find outā€¦

57

if you are using the python script, you can quite easily adjust it to your needs. If you look into the script, you will find I am using key value pairs for all properties, with the M size as key.

1 Like
58

You should add hole size and direction recognition and then it may worth enough to become a commercial product. My2cent.

59

If I understand you correctly, you would like to pick a hole and the appropriate size fastener and direction happens automatically? If so, thatā€™s a good idea.

60

Yup!

1 Like
61

Thanks for the suggestion.