ACME (3/4 x 5 tpi) Threads for Painters Poles

Overview:

I have several painter’s poles that adjust to various lengths.  I’ve developed a number of attachments for them, but the ACME thread definitions in Fusion 360 are not compatible with the ¾” (075) x 5 tpi definition used for painter’s poles, so I designed my own.  This thread definition is also standard on many mop, broom and dusting handles / poles as well.  NOTE: I use 3/4 and 075 interchangeably since 075 works better for file names on windows, but the definition is technically labeled 3/4.

I’ve included the following:

-          Fusion 360 file: This has templates for male and female threads that can be used to create custom components.  There are square versions that can be printed horizontally for greater strength, and the square male thread adapter has a flat side to allow for this.

-          Thread Definition file: This is a zipped xml file with the information necessary to include within Fusion 360 to make 3/4-5 ACME an option under the Create Threads feature.  The file contains data for both male and female threads.  After modeling the threads, you shouldn’t need to offset any of the thread faces to get a proper fit, but you could if you wanted to slightly tighten or loosen the fit.  See below for instructions on integrating this. My definition works well for my applications and printers, but you may want to adjust values in the xml file for your own needs.

-          Step files: A step file of an example adapter for male threads as well as one for female threads that can be used in your custom models.

How to integrate the ACME (075 x 5 tpi) thread definition into Fusion 360 on Windows:

1.      Be sure Fusion 360 is not currently running.

2.      Place the ACME_Paint.xml file into the following folder: “%AppData%\Local\Autodesk\webdeploy\production\[version ID]\Fusion\Server\Fusion\Configuration\ThreadData” directory for your user account.  For example, “C:\Users\myuserid\AppData\Local\Autodesk\webdeploy\production\9c5312dfff2e4569cd1d269973ddf11cb999f782\Fusion\Server\Fusion\Configuration\ThreadData”

     a.      Note: an easy way to find the current version is just to sort the folders under the production folder by date.  The newest one will be the newest version.  Also note however, there can be two folders with the same date, but usually one will be pretty bare , so use the other one.

3.      Start Fusion, and you should now see an option for “3/4-5 ACME” under Create à Thread à Thread Type

IMPORTANT: These have to be re-copied to the new Production folder after each update (or at least when you need to use them again). 

Printing:

Printing requirements will depend on your application.  I usually print my threads in PLA, PETG or ASA depending on the need.  Increase wall perimeters/loops to increase strength.  I typically use 4-7 walls.  No supports for these adapters are required if printed in the orientations shown, but your final project may require them.

Example Projects:

• Painting Shield: https://makerworld.com/en/models/3024721-paint-spray-shield-clamp#profileId-3398818

• Strap Hook: https://makerworld.com/en/models/3102938-strap-hook-for-painters-pole#profileId-3497749

• General Use Hook: https://makerworld.com/en/models/3102964-general-use-hook-for-painters-pole#profileId-3497783

• Replacement Pole Cap and Threads: https://makerworld.com/en/models/3102893-replacement-threads-for-painters-pole#profileId-3497695