Choosing a machine

[kinetics]

Alright, here's the deal.
I've designed this part, actually, 2 parts that screw together.
The problems I've run into are:

1) I have no clue what machines do what. When I threw this together, each end was built with 2 pieces, 3 axis milled. Obviously, this isn't the way to do this, and the software complains about it when I try to submit my design for manufacturing. So the first question is: what machine is more appropriate to create the design you see.

2) I've had a little trouble with the threading also. I think I can fix this, but haven't taken a stab at it yet. The problem here is, we're working with tight tolerances. Pretty much all of the measurements (inside diameter, and outside diameter of the 'core', overall height, width and thickness) cannot fluctuate, or they won't fit the 3rd piece this is designed for.
Any suggestions on how to check that what I'm trying for threading is correct?

Please see the attached image. It pretty much lays out what I've put together so far.
Again, each end has 2 pieces to it, at the moment. The first creates the inside cone, the 2nd creates the outside cone.
Question 1 is my real concern at the moment.

Lastly, I have a sponsor that's willing to pay design costs. What do you think it would cost to put a design together for me if I provide all of the measurements we need?

[Tech3]

You need to use the Lathe and design each part in separate file using Revolve feature.
To be sure that your threads fits please use same threads per Line | Machine | Thread for male and female parts and use Comments to Machinist to specify in each design that threads should be checked for matching after machining.

We can design it for you if you submit all dimensions in about one hour. See Custom CAD Design Services for procedure and cost.
But it seems you are making good progress on your own.

[kinetics]

Fantastic!
I'll give this a shot tonight.
Thanks a ton for the helpful response!

[kinetics]

Alright, I think I've got the female side down.
I'm having trouble, however, getting the external thread on the male part.
Everything I try ends up with an internal thread, or an external thread that's bugged somehow, and I can't seem to get a working design.

Am I missing something?

[Tech2]

Please upload your design.

[kinetics]

Here's what I've got.
Again, I believe the female end is good.

The thread I'm trying to put on the male end is:
1/4 with .250 OD and .216 ID

Lastly, I notice that there's a setting for thread length that only goes so far.
If I want these pieces to bottom out on each other, am I going to have to account for the shortness of thread, and have a smaller diameter 'dead zone' so to speak, so they fit properly?
The inside hole needs to be as smooth as possible, so I can't have any gaps.

Is there any way to specify the threads be the entire length of the parts I want to join?

Thanks again for all of your help!

[Tech2]

You are doing fine. For threading with the revolve feature you need to use comments to machinist. You can remove one small circle which is redundant to the revolve line. Yes you need a dead area at the end of the thread to get the parts to mate flush. No you can't thread up to the end because the cutting tool takes space.

[kinetics]

Great!
You've been very helpful!
Many thanks

[kinetics]

I just want to verify that the comments are done correctly.
I was unsure how to note where I wanted the threads on the male piece, so I just put them as close to the area as I could.

[Tech2]

I would replace your long CTM with simply "Thread 1/4-28 and check with mating part."

[kinetics]

Alright...last question regarding this...
Any chance you could give me an approximate weight of these parts?
Is there a way to tell this in the software??

I know this is an odd question, but it's the most important one my sponsor needs answered.

Thanks, again, for all of your help!

[Tech3]

Use Tools | Statistics.