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Threads for 3D-printed parts
At PROTIQ, you can get your plastic and metal parts with metric threads from M2 to M8 on request – as internal threads, external threads or with a threaded insert made of brass (heat-set) or stainless steel (screwed in). Threads are always ordered together with a part that you have manufactured by PROTIQ.
Your part arrives ready for assembly, and you save yourself the rework. The order matters: first configure your part completely and add it to the cart. Only then choose the right thread and thread size here.
How to order your part with threads
Part first, then threads: complete the configuration of your part, including material and process selection, and add it to the cart. Only then select the threads and add them to the cart as well.
- Configure your part Upload the 3D file in the configurator, choose material and process, and select PROTIQ as the manufacturer.
- Add the part to the cart Complete the configuration and add the finished part to the cart.
- Add threads Then open the right thread on this page, choose the thread size and quantity, and add it to the cart.
- Order together Order the part and threads together. Volume discounts per thread apply to larger quantities.
Please don’t switch to the threads during material or process selection – only once your part is in the cart.
Configure your part nowThe configurator opens in a new tab. This page stays open for selecting the threads.
Threads for plastic parts
For parts made of thermoplastic, for example by selective laser sintering (SLS), you can choose internal threads, external threads and threaded inserts made of brass or stainless steel.
Internal thread plastic
Metric internal thread directly in the plastic part – for screw connections that are only rarely loosened.
Thread sizes: M2 to M8
Choose thread size
Threaded insert, brass or stainless steel
Heat-set brass insert or screwed-in, self-tapping stainless steel insert – for more heavily loaded connections and frequent screwing.
Brass: M2 to M6 and M8
Stainless steel: M3 to M6 and M8
View dimensions and holes
External thread plastic
Metric external thread on a stud or pin of your plastic part, for example for nuts or threaded bushings.
Thread sizes: M2 to M8
Choose thread sizeThreads for metal parts
For metal parts, for example made by selective laser melting (SLM), you can get metric internal and external threads.
Internal thread metal
Metric internal thread directly in the metal part – for screw connections without additional inserts.
Thread sizes: M2 to M8
Choose thread size
External thread metal
Metric external thread on a stud or pin of your metal part, for example for nuts or threaded bushings.
Thread sizes: M2 to M8
Choose thread sizeWhich thread is right for your part?
What matters is the material of your part and the type of connection: in plastic, you choose between a thread directly in the part and a threaded insert made of brass or stainless steel; in metal, between internal and external threads.
| Thread | Part material | Thread sizes | Well suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal thread plastic | Plastic (thermoplastic) | M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 | Screw connections that are rarely loosened |
| Threaded insert, brass (heat-set) | Plastic (thermoplastic) | M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M8 | More heavily loaded connections and frequent screwing |
| Threaded insert, stainless steel (screwed in, self-tapping) | Plastic (thermoplastic) | M3, M4, M5, M6, M8 | Highly loaded, wear-resistant and vibration-proof connections |
| External thread plastic | Plastic (thermoplastic) | M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 | Threaded studs and pins on the part |
| Internal thread metal | Metal | M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 | Screw connections in the metal part |
| External thread metal | Metal | M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8 | Threaded studs and pins on the metal part |
How to prepare threads in your design and what alternatives there are to the printed standard thread is explained in Threaded connections in 3D-printed parts.
Brass and stainless steel threaded inserts: dimensions and holes
There are two types of threaded inserts for plastic parts: the brass heat-set insert is melted into a hole with heat, while the stainless steel insert is screwed in and cuts its own thread as it goes. The tables show the dimensions of the inserts and the mounting hole.
Brass heat-set insert
The insert is heated and melted into the hole in the plastic part. The knurling anchors it firmly in the plastic. The hole can be a blind hole or a through hole. A blind hole is at least 1 mm deeper than the insert is long.
| Thread | Ø d1 | Ø d2 | Ø d3 hole | L length | W wall thickness min. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 1.3 |
| M2.5 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 5.7 | 1.6 |
| M3 | 4.6 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 5.7 | 1.6 |
| M4 | 6.3 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 8.1 | 2.1 |
| M5 | 7.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 9.5 | 2.6 |
| M6 | 8.7 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 12.7 | 3.3 |
| M8 | 10.1 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 12.7 | 4.5 |
All dimensions in mm.
Self-tapping stainless steel threaded insert
The insert made of stainless steel 1.4305 is screwed into a hole and uses its cutting slot to cut its external thread into the plastic itself. This creates highly resilient, wear-resistant and vibration-proof screw connections, even in materials with low shear strength.
| Thread | Ø E external thread | P pitch | B length | Ø D hole (guide value) | T hole depth min. (blind hole) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 5 | 0.5 | 6 | 4.7 to 4.8 | 8 |
| M4 | 6.5 | 0.75 | 8 | 6.1 to 6.2 | 10 |
| M5 | 8 | 1 | 10 | 7.5 to 7.6 | 13 |
| M6 | 10 | 1.5 | 14 | 9.2 to 9.4 | 17 |
| M8 | 12 | 1.5 | 15 | 11.2 to 11.4 | 18 |
All dimensions in mm. Internal thread to ISO 6H, general tolerances to ISO 2768-m.
Frequently asked questions about threads
How much does a thread cost?
Threads are charged per piece, with volume discounts for larger quantities. You can find the current price and all tiered prices on the respective product page.
When do I add the threads to the cart?
Only once your fully configured part is in the cart. First complete the material and process selection in the configurator and add the part to the cart. Then choose the right thread, thread size and quantity on this page and add it to the cart as well.
When is a threaded insert better than an internal thread in plastic?
With a threaded insert, the screw engages metal instead of plastic. This is worthwhile if the connection is subjected to higher loads or is to be loosened and screwed together frequently. For connections that are only rarely loosened, an internal thread directly in the plastic is often sufficient.
What is the difference between the brass and the stainless steel threaded insert?
The brass heat-set insert is heated and melted into a hole in the plastic part; the knurling anchors it in the plastic. The threaded insert made of stainless steel 1.4305 is screwed in and cuts its own external thread. It is particularly wear-resistant and vibration-proof. You can find the dimensions of both inserts and the matching holes above on this page.
Which thread sizes are available?
PROTIQ produces metric threads in sizes M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7 and M8. The brass threaded insert is available in M2, M2.5, M3, M4, M5, M6 and M8, the stainless steel threaded insert in M3, M4, M5, M6 and M8. You choose the size directly on the respective product page.
Can I order threads separately?
No. PROTIQ’s thread products are only available in combination with a part that you have manufactured by PROTIQ: internal thread plastic, external thread plastic and threaded inserts made of brass or stainless steel for thermoplastic parts, internal thread metal and external thread metal for metal parts. Only add the threads to the cart once your fully configured part is already there.
What is the difference between an internal and an external thread?
An internal thread is located in a hole in the part into which, for example, a screw is turned. An external thread sits on the outside of a stud or pin of the part onto which, for example, a nut is screwed. PROTIQ offers both variants for plastic and metal parts.
