AutoCAD Mechanical toolset provides a wizard (AMSCREWCON2D command) to create entire fastener assemblies to connect two plates. The screw connection can consist of a screw, nuts, washers, and holes, which you can select in the wizard. It is not necessary to select all these standard parts for a screw connection, but you must select at least one.
The wizard shows only standard parts that you can combine. For example, it shows cotter pins only if you have selected slotted nuts as part of the screw connection. The screw connection wizard has the following characteristics:
- You can insert a screw connection in the Front View, Bottom View, or Top View. When you select the Front View, you can choose to show the segment going through the plates as a Normal, Hidden, or Sectional view. You can also opt not to show the grip.
- You can save the wizard settings as templates for reuse later. When you start off from a template, most selections are already made. You only have to specify exceptions. You do not have to specify all the required settings every time you insert a screw connection. Additionally, AutoCAD Mechanical toolset supplies a few common templates to get you started off.
- The AM:Content tab of the options dialog box provides an option to enforce projection length rules for screw connections. Accordingly, when you insert a screw connection containing a nut, the wizard maintains the projection length of screw centerlines at 1.5 times of the nut diameter. If the option is not selected, you can resize the screw connection by dragging.
- When no nut has been selected yet, the wizard uses the same calculation to suggest a bolt size for the screw connection.
- You can combine counterbores and countersinks. The screw and any accompanying washers under the screw head determine the type and depth of the counterbore/countersink.
- If the wizard cannot find a suitable nominal length (necessary for the grip length) for a screw connection, it prompts you for the appropriate nominal diameter.
- You can use the AMPOWERVIEW command to generate a different view of the screw connection. You can, for example, create the top view from the front view.
- You can select standard parts for components that are not visible in the view you create. Doing so enables the wizard to validate the screw connection despite all the parts not being visible for the view.
- The wizard defines a hole based on the screw head. When inserting library countersinks, you must select a screw even if you do not want to insert it. Depending on your design intent, you can hide or show the screw in your drawing. When you insert user counterbores or user countersinks, selecting a screw is unnecessary.
- To delete a selected standard part, choose the button to the right of the standard part.
- When you enable structure, the mechanical browser updates automatically and you can specify to which component view (usually, which plate) the holes belong.
- You can use AMPOWERRECALL to repeat the command for the most recently inserted screw connection. In the Screw Connection dialog box, you can add additional elements and change the nominal diameter.
- When you use AMPOWERERASE to delete a screw connection in a hatched plate, AutoCAD Mechanical toolset restores the hatch.