Cosmetic Threads Improvements

Many issues have been resolved related to how cosmetic threads are created, updated, and displayed when there are child references in downstream features.

The cosmetic threads feature has a more robust architecture so that they behave more consistently. The improved behavior provides more stable references for edges and faces, along with correct parameters for assemblies, drawings, and graphics. Improvements include support for tapered threads, mirrored and patterned geometry, better mapping to nonplanar surfaces, and standards for tapered shafts.

For example::
  • When you use the Split Line tool to split a face where shaded cosmetic threads display, then rebuild the part, the shaded cosmetic threads and diameter are retained at the correct location.
  • Cosmetic threads created from instances of pattern and mirror features display correctly when you hide and show model geometry.
  • Cosmetic threads in derived and mirrored parts display in the correct position when you create derived parts using the Mirror Part, Insert Part, Saved Body, and Split Body tools.
  • Cosmetic threads behave as expected when you copy bodies using the Move Body and Copy Body tools.
  • You have more control when you add features such as chamfers on edges and cosmetic threads are selected, and when you use Hole Wizard to create a hole with cosmetic threads on a reference plane. Also, when you suppress a hole with Hole Wizard, child cosmetic threads are suppressed.
  • When you use a design table to assign different values for thread length to each configuration, cosmetic threads update accordingly.
Enhancements include:
  • Standards for tapered shafts and holes are supported in cosmetic threads. Also, thread classes are supported when you create cosmetic threads using Insert > Annotation > Cosmetic Threads.
  • You can input an equation to configure the major or minor diameter of cosmetic threads directly in the Cosmetic Thread PropertyManager.

Upgrading Legacy Cosmetic Threads

For a part, assembly or drawing that uses legacy cosmetic threads, you must upgrade the model to use the improved cosmetic threads feature. The upgrade requires you to set a system option first, and then you can enable the upgrade for each model.

You can upgrade all cosmetic threads features that are available in components for the top-level assembly and the subassembly.

If you have many files to upgrade, you can use an API method to convert the files (IModelDocExtension::UpgradeLegacyCThreads). For information, see the SOLIDWORKS API Help. You can also contact SOLIDWORKS Technical Support.

When you upgrade a legacy part, you may need to adjust the assemblies and drawings where the part is used. For example, drawings might have dangling annotations and dimensions.

To upgrade legacy cosmetic threads in a part, assembly, or drawing:

  1. In Tools > Options > System Options > General, select Allow cosmetic threads for upgrade and click OK.
    If you are an administrator, you can use the Settings Administrator Tool to propagate this option among your users.
  2. Open the model and right-click the top item in the FeatureManager design tree, and click Upgrade cosmetic thread features.

After you upgrade, the command, Upgrade cosmetic thread features, is no longer available for that model.