Part Modeling > Part Modeling > Engineering Features > Cosmetic Thread > Using the Parameter File to Define Cosmetic Threads
Using the Parameter File to Define Cosmetic Threads
A parameter file contains thread parameter information. It is stored as a .thr file in the working directory. It can be used as an alternative method for defining cosmetic threads. You edit the parameter file using the Properties tab on the Thread tab. You can use the parameter file to create customized cosmetic threads. For example, define two thread diameter values to place a metric thread on an English unit part, and vice versa.
Cosmetic thread parameter values can be specified in both the parameter file and the feature creation user interface. By default, the values specified in the feature creation user interface are used. If you change the values in the parameter file, or if you read in a new parameter file, the values specified in the feature creation user interface remain unchanged. For example, if you specify a thread diameter of 2.5, and then you change the parameter file so the diameter is 3.5, the thread diameter remains 2.5.
The associativity between the parameter file and the creation user interface exists only during feature creation. If you modify the values in the parameter file, they lose their associativity with the model. When you redefine the feature and the diameter or the thread type, the parameter file remains unchanged unless you manually change it.
The PLACEMENT value in the parameter file is based on whether the thread is external (the thread surface geometry is a shaft) or internal (the thread surface geometry is a hole).
Outside the Cosmetic Thread feature, display the thread parameter values by clicking Tools > Parameters. In the Parameters dialog box, under Look In select Feature, and then select the cosmetic thread feature in the Model Tree.