How to Create Custom Ball Screw Threads in Fusion 360

Antonio P.

1 May, 2025 07:02 AM

Learn how to create custom thread definitions in Fusion 360 using an XML file. This example includes SFU1505, SFU1610, and SFU2005 ball screw threads, and teaches you how to expand it to other custom threads.

1. Step 1: Overview

   Fusion 360 includes a wide range of thread types, but it lacks many real-world mechanical standards — especially those used in linear motion applications, such as ball screws.

   Ball screw threads like SFU1505, SFU1610, and SFU2005 are commonly used in:

   • CNC machinery
   • 3D printers
   • Automated systems

   
   

   These thread types are not available by default in Fusion 360, but the software allows you to define your own using XML files.

   In this tutorial, we’ll cover:

   • Where Fusion 360 stores thread definitions
   • How to manually write an XML thread definition file
   • How to add and use custom threads (including SFU models)

   
   

   By the end, you'll be able to:

   ✅ Create your own thread types

   ✅ Add manufacturer-specific designs

   ✅ Reuse them in any Fusion 360 project

2. Step 2: Locate the ThreadData Folder

   1) Open File Explorer

   2) Paste this path in the address bar:

   %localappdata%\Autodesk\webdeploy\Production\

   
   

   3) Sort the folders by Date Modified and open the most recent one

   4) Go to:

   \Fusion\Server\Fusion\Configuration\ThreadData

   
   

   This is the folder where Fusion 360 stores all thread definitions.

   
   

3. Step 3: Create and Edit the XML File

   1) Open a text editor (e.g. Notepad++)

   2) Create a new file and name it something like BallScrewThreads (.xml extension)

   3) Paste the following code:

   <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

   <ThreadType>

    <Name>Ball Screw Threads</Name>

    <CustomName>Ball Screw Threads</CustomName>

    <Unit>mm</Unit>

    <Angle>60</Angle>

    <SortOrder>3</SortOrder>

    <ThreadSize>

     <Size>16</Size>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU1610</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU1610</CTD>

      <Pitch>10</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>16</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>14</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>12</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU1605</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU1605</CTD>

      <Pitch>5</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>16</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>14</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>12</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

    </ThreadSize>

    <ThreadSize>

     <Size>20</Size>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU2005</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU2005</CTD>

      <Pitch>5</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>20</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>18</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>16</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU2010</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU2010</CTD>

      <Pitch>10</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>20</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>18</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>16</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

    </ThreadSize>

    <ThreadSize>

     <Size>25</Size>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU2505</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU2505</CTD>

      <Pitch>5</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>25</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>23</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>21</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU2510</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU2510</CTD>

      <Pitch>10</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>25</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>23</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>21</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

    </ThreadSize>

    <ThreadSize>

     <Size>32</Size>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU3205</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU3205</CTD>

      <Pitch>5</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>32</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>30</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>28</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU3210</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU3210</CTD>

      <Pitch>10</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>32</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>30</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>28</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

     <Designation>

      <ThreadDesignation>SFU3232</ThreadDesignation>

      <CTD>SFU3232</CTD>

      <Pitch>32</Pitch>

      <Thread>

       <Gender>external</Gender>

       <Class>Custom</Class>

       <MajorDia>32</MajorDia>

       <PitchDia>30</PitchDia>

       <MinorDia>28</MinorDia>

      </Thread>

     </Designation>

    </ThreadSize>

   
   

   
   

   </ThreadType>

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   4) Save the file inside the ThreadData folder

4. Step 4: Use the Custom Thread in Fusion 360

   1) Restart Fusion 360

   2) Create a cylinder matching the thread diameter (e.g. 16 mm)

   3) Go to Create > Thread

   4) Enable Modeled and Full Length

   5) Select Ball Screw Threads and choose the desired SFU designation

   
   

   
   

   That's it — your custom thread is now applied!