We are looking to update our software we use to look up requireds/specs for thread gage calibration. We perform this service for a wide range of industries and see a lot of special threads. If you have experience with a software package that you would recommend, I would like to hear about it. I am open to any and all ideas.

Thank you.

I'll have to defer this one. My background is more electrical/electronic calibration. If you could elaborate a little on what you're looking for, perhaps there are some more generic solutions that would also serve.

For example, some of the calibration recall packages have capability to link directly to specifications (which you need to have available on line somewhere).

As I work for a Fortune 100 company, they build many of their own on-line spec packages (which I can not detail here). I have very superficial exposure to thread gage cals. What I recall is testing them on a profilometer or some sort of comparator. So if I perceive correctly, what you are looking for primarily is an easy to use souce for tolerance specs, measurement points, etc.

One possibility could even be a package such as METCAL (put out by Fluke - not a plug for Fluke; this is the one I am familiar with). METCAL is an automated cal package designed to automatically operate instruments involved in the cal process with cal steps on screen for the operator. But in the case of a mechanical gage such as a thread gage, METCAL (or other similar packages) can be used solely as an operator interface (without the automated instruments connected to the computer). You would simply need to write the procedures in a structured (fairly easy to use) language imbedded in the software.

Depending upon exactly what you need the software to do, there are a number of options.

Another option would be to hyperlink documented procedures in something like PDF or MS Word document format with your recall database. You could do something as simple as set up an HTML webpage format with hyperlinks to those procedures in a server in your lab.

Those are a few ideas off the top of my head. If you can elaborate some, I would be glad to offer further inputs.

Hi Jerry:

Thank you for your response. The type of software we are looking to upgrade is designed just for the calibration of thread gages. It comes loaded with all of the specifications for threads for most or all thread gages. the user would simply type in the gage type and size i.e. 5/8-18 UNC-2B, and the software would present all of the requireds from ASME/ANSI B1.2 or other applicable standards.

We have Metcal, it came with our Fluke 5500. Since we have not hired an electrical Technician yet, it just sits there with the calibration expireing. I have played with the Metcal and it looks pretty powerfull. Someday, perhaps we will even use it!

Thank you

Keith

You might want to look at a program by Gagemaker Inc called Thread Disk. We use it in our plant gage lab and it meets our needs.

The type of software we are looking [for] is designed just for the calibration of thread gages. It comes loaded with all of the specifications for threads for most or all thread gages. The user would simply type in the gage type and size i.e. 5/8-18 UNC-2B, and the software would present all of the [requirements] from ASME/ANSI B1.2 or other applicable standards.Metrologyguy, I know that this reply comes very late from your original post, but I just came upon your post, so now is my first opportunity. There are three packages of screw thread engineering software available on the market today that do exactly what you require.

1. Thread Disk (http://www.gagemaker.com/thread_software.htm). This screw thread engineering software, to my knowledge, has been on the market the longest, but I know the least about it. I know several thread gage makers have switched away from Thread Disk in favor of one of the other two. I do not know of any thread gage maker who has switched to Thread Disk. Many thread gage makers do have multiple versions of thread engineering software because none cover all specifications.

2. Thread Tech (http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/catalogs/thread_check/software.htm). It was developed by Osborn Products for their own use. They, at the request of their customers, began selling the software. This software has been in constant development for years. In addition to adding additional capacity, the developer actively attacks flaws in the screw thread engineering software. When someone presents a software flaw, the developer fixes the flaw and provides that individual with an upgraded copy of the screw thread engineering software. It has been years since anyone has found a flaw. This is the screw thread engineering software that I use on a daily basis. It gives the screw thread dimensions for product threads and for thread gauges, with their associated tolerances. It is perfect for a calibration laboratory for that reason, and because it is very user friendly. It does not have pizzazz, and it has some limitations, but the developer seems to be adding new capabilities regularly. Slated for release in mid-2008 is a British Pipe add-on.

3. STEFFS. I believe it stands for: Screw Thread Engineering For Fasteners Software. Catchy name, huh. This screw thread engineering software has the best selection of thread types. I own a copy of this screw thread engineering software and find it difficult to operate; however; I do know many that own STEFFS and prefer using it over others. Last I knew, the developer of the software is looking for a buyer to the rights to the code. (There is a business opportunity for some software engineer, but I digress.) Unfortunately this screw thread engineering software is poorly marketed and a Goggle search specifically looking for it did not find any link to post here.

All posted here was from memory. If anyone wishes to correct anything I have posted, please do so either in the forum or via e-mail. I will gladly try to fact-check and reply/update my comments.

Gagemaker is NOT the way to go. They have bugs in the software for threas under a 1 mm pitch. STEFFS seems to be a very complete software. I think i recieved a demo once a couple of years ago and included many different types, ie. british, din, standard... Call Swanson gage and see if they can send you a demo CD.

Call Swanson gage and see if they can send you a demo CD.

Hello dstetler,

Are you referring to this? Thread Engineering Software (http://www.swansongage.com/thread-engineering-software.htm).

Stijloor.

Are you referring to this? Thread Engineering Software (http://www.swansongage.com/thread-engineering-software.htm)?

Yes, that is the correct one. I had the name a little worng in my post, my bad. Also, thanks for finding a link to someone that sells it. So to correct my post...

3. STETFS (http://www.swansongage.com/thread-engineering-software.htm). It stands for: Screw Thread Engineering To Federal Standards. Catchy name, huh. This screw thread engineering software has the best selection of thread types. I own a copy of this STETFS and find it difficult to operate; however; I do know many that own STETFS and prefer using it over others. (Last I knew, the developer of the software is looking for a buyer to the rights to the code.)

New shareware for threads and screw threads gauges
"QMSYS Threads and Gauges".
Trial version of QMSys Threads and Gauges is available for immediate download.

New shareware for threads and screw threads gauges
"QMSYS Threads and Gauges".
Trial version of QMSys Threads and Gauges is available for immediate download.

I found this: "QMSys Threads and Gauges 4.2 (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Science-CAD/QMSys-Threads-and-Gauges.shtml)."

Are you associated with this company?

Stijloor.

Hello Stijloor,

I am associated with this company.

Hello Stijloor,

I am associated with this company.In the future, please state your relationship in any thread in which you 'recommend' this software, or any software or product which you have a connection with.

Technically the TOS here only allows for recommendations by users, not 'selling' by people who have a connection to the company.

Thanks Marc,

i use the software for consultation services.

Yes, that is the correct one. I had the name a little worng in my post, my bad. Also, thanks for finding a link to someone that sells it. So to correct my post...

3. STETFS (http://www.swansongage.com/thread-engineering-software.htm). It stands for: Screw Thread Engineering To Federal Standards. Catchy name, huh. This screw thread engineering software has the best selection of thread types. I own a copy of this STETFS and find it difficult to operate; however; I do know many that own STETFS and prefer using it over others. (Last I knew, the developer of the software is looking for a buyer to the rights to the code.)
I just received this email: On 9/11/08 10:22 AM, Reed J Lagasse at stetfs -- hughes.net wrote:

> The artical about "Screw Thread Engineering To Federal Standards" software
> STETFS is owned by Reed J Lagasse and not by Swanson Gage. They are a
> distributor of my software.
> My webpage is at www.stetfs.com and can be viewed by doing a search of Screw
> Thread Engineering Software.
> My software is not hard to use as described on your page. I have 300 hundred
> companies that use my software and I problably had less then 50 telephone
> calls for technical support.

I have just finished a detailed study using STEFTS and the Buttress Thread Standard (B1.9). I am collecting reverse engineering data on some plastic threads for one of our designers. (I hate when they make threads in plastic that are not true to the standard!)

I have been using STEFTS since the mid 90s and only have one complaint which is not really about the software. There is no manual or help button to tell you how to use it for "special" threads. If you are just looking up a standard thread, the software is pretty straight forward. Looking up specials can be a little more challenging, but you just have to keep playing with it.

I used to call Phil Larouche at Swanson (he provided technical data) if I had questions, but I call Reed now. I may make one call a year if that often.

This is the third different company that I have introduced this software too. It is inexpensive and must not be too complicated.

I am not computer literate.:( I am computer dangerous! :bonk:

I felt the need to express my opinions concerning Thread Engineering Software. Some of the information that I have recently read on this forum is not correct or at least incomplete. I have been on the lookout for any type of thread engineering program for many years and have used all of them that I am able to find. There are several functional programs available on the market costing between $350.00 to $500.00. The 2 best ones have been previously mentioned in this forum but the information was not complete. My choice would be STETFS software available through Swanson Tool or Ideal Thread Gage. The software was developed by Reed Lagasse with help from several respected thread engineers in this country. It is easy to use, contrary to previous statements, and develops thread data for all product as well as all gaging in one operation. There are 14 major programs and many of them have extra functions so most any thread may be engineered quickly and accurately. There is an instructiion manual supplied to every customer who purchases a licensed copy through one of the licensed companies. Of course, a little practice and maybe a couple of walk throughs help accelerate proficiency. Give me a hard engineering problem and let me demonstrate how quickly I can give you a fax response. The information is always free and courteous. There is a European program that is very good for ISO threads but leaves much to be desired for us in the U.S. Osborne Gage has a good program but only engineers one type of thread function at a time. There are also several programs that are missing from the Osborne program. Specifically the DS, TS, Special unequal angle and special equal angle thread engineering programs. Metric STI and European ISO programs are also missing. Once you input the basic thread data, you may view or print the internal & external thread product information, as well as the thread plug, ring and set plug data. If you are so inclined and have the math knowledge you may also view/print the formulas used to compute the data. The programs are updated, although occasionally, because most all of the errors and bugs were worked out in the last 12 years. I would like to challenge anyone to accuracy and speed tests if you are interested. Partial programs are available for $200.00 or complete programs for $499.00. All of the programs are based on ANSI/ASME, Military, Aerospace and Commercial standards and all of the standards used for each program is referenced on the top of the view page.

"There is an instructiion manual supplied to every customer who purchases a licensed copy through one of the licensed companies. "

:mad:I have "purchased" 3 copies of the STETFS software from Swanson and the only instructions I ever received was for installation and how to open the different files. Maybe I am being a little too sensitive, but I take offense at the implications you made in your last post. I could have very easily made a copy of the STETFS software and taken it with me to each company, however I did not. I feel like it is a very good and in-expensive ($400) software and far out weighs having to perform the calculations (which I still have to do from time to time) from the standards.

Even though writing this response has allowed me to calm down, I am still going to post it just to make you aware. :agree:Friends?

I have been using STEFTS since the mid 90s ...Some of the coments above come from distributors of the various softwares (myself icluded) and thus may be somewhat biased.

Southern Girl, as a long term user of STEFTS, will you do a "taste test" for us?

There is a 10-day free trial (http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/catalogs/thread_check/software.htm) of ThreadTech software available on the web. Would you be willing to test the software and let us know your opinion of ThreadTech as to how it compares to STEFTS?

There can be little doubt that there are some highly qualified and respected people posting in this thread. However, I would like to point out that when a member posts something about a product or service, and they have a relationship with said product or service, such as ownership of or employment by the company producing the product or service, or are a competitor of such product or service, their relationship should be clearly noted in the posts.

Folks, we don't want a "battle of the bands" going on here, just an honest and open exchange of ideas and information.

To Southern Girl (and anyone else who I might have offended): I did not mean to imply that you might have an unregistered copy of STETFS. Actually I have no idea who does or does not. I think that Swanson Gage or whoever sold you the software owes you a complete copy of the instructions. If you are unable to get a copy please let me know so I may send you a copy. If you ever need any help just want to chat, feel free to call me in California (Phone number in profile). I use the software daily (some very unusual uses) and wonder why others don't have an urgent need for this type of software. Many calibration labs in the Western States have purchased the program from me and call me if they ever get stuck or have a question. The manufacturing companies who have purchased the software cease to call me anymore. I guess they are proficient now.

:truce:

In the last month I have downloaded & installed Thread Tech and the QMSYS. I found the ThreadTech software very easy to use and have been using it almost everyday. After loading the QMSYS I gave up on it and went back to the ThreadTech. The QMSYS software looks very nice but I liked the ease of the ThreadTech. I also have a demo disk for STEFS but haven't installed it yet. The only thing I am using the programs for are is calculating the major/minor diameter for threaded plugs and also the full & trunc diameter for setting plugs. We don't use any thread rings here.I did load the STEFS demo but it is for threads between 0.750 and 1.000 which is really of no use for me so I didn't really look around the program very much. Like I said I just wanted an easier way to get the major & minor diameters which I can do from the standard.

Wow- I tried the Thread Tech software and didn't care for it much- I guess I'm the lame-o of the bunch.

I do use thread disk for Windows- but there are bugs in it- I found a BIG one with NPTs once- but I didn't take the time to document it and have now forgotten what it was:mybad:

I've just order the STEFTS- we'll see how that one is. For some reason, I just found the Thread Tech one hard to follow.

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to this thread, but I would be more than happy to try Thread Tech and provide feedback on this software versus STETFS. Just to make this clear, I am not associated with either software except as an end user.

Be careful what you ask for Wayne! I will provide my feedback next week. Do you want my off shore bank account number now or later? LOL

Wayne,

I too will try this software and give you feedback. I've been using STEFTS since 2000 and really enjoy it.

I had the same problem as Southern Girl about the directions.........had to learn it on my own.

I am Eagerly waiting for a reply from southerngirl to see how she likes the other software. I am at the point of getting ready to buy some software and I think that STETFS is the one I will get but would love to see what else has to be said. Greg

I am Eagerly waiting for a reply from southerngirl to see how she likes the other software. I am at the point of getting ready to buy some software and I think that STETFS is the one I will get but would love to see what else has to be said. Greg


I have tried Waynes software. Not a lot yet but some. It's straight forward, yet doesn't seem to give as much info as STEFTS. It might be because it is a trial I'm not sure.

I will keep trying it to be sure which I like better. Right now STEFTS is clearly in the lead.

I have tried Wayne's software. Not a lot yet but some. It's straight forward,...Please let me be clear, ThreadTech is my preferred software to use. I did not write the software nor do I own an interest in the copyright. I am a distributor for ThreadTech and STEFTS and Thread Disc, so it matters not to me which is purchased. I do like using ThreadTech more than STEFTS. I personally find STEFTS confusing to use. I find the ThreadTech much easier for the casual user to open and run with next to no instruction. I did give STEFTS to one of my employees and he is just happy as a clam to use it.

If some one were to come to me and ask which to buy, I usually promote ThreadTech because it has sufficient information for most users and it takes less of my time to instruct on technique to run the software....yet doesn't seem to give as much info as STEFTS. It might be because it is a trial I'm not sure.The trial version (http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/catalogs/thread_check/software.htm) is an older version. There have been some good improvements. There is to be announced in near future the addition of some British threads as an add-on package.

I am enjoying this thread, but am disappointed that ThreadTech is not getting more votes:(.

Please let me be clear, ThreadTech is my preferred software to use. I did not write the software nor do I own an interest in the copyright. I am a distributor for ThreadTech and STEFTS and Thread Disc, so it matters not to me which is purchased. I do like using ThreadTech more than STEFTS. I personally find STEFTS confusing to use. I find the ThreadTech much easier for the casual user to open and run with next to no instruction. I did give STEFTS to one of my employees and he is just happy as a clam to use it.

If some one were to come to me and ask which to buy, I usually promote ThreadTech because it has sufficient information for most users and it takes less of my time to instruct on technique to run the software.The trial version (http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/catalogs/thread_check/software.htm) is an older version. There have been some good improvements. There is to be announced in near future the addition of some British threads as an add-on package.

I am enjoying this thread, but am disappointed that ThreadTech is not getting more votes:(.

I would suggest for you to make it clear to the company that they need to have the latest and greatest out there as a demo.

Saying the demo isn't the latest and greatest and implying that the latest and greatest is better really doesn't help me in making a choice on which to buy. I know the STEFTS demo is close to the latest and greatest they have to offer.

:o I would like to apologize to the Cove for not responding sooner with my evaluation of the ThreadTech and STETFS software. My 85 year old mother has been ill and in the hospital for a couple of weeks. When they finally got her well enough to go home, I stayed with her to continue her recovery. I just came back to my own home and my job last week, so I have been a little pre-occupied.

:D But I am back now and ready to offer up my objective opinion on these programs. I was a little distressed to learn that the demo version of ThreadTech is not the lastest. That may explain some of the concerns I had.

Both programs are very good and appear to be based on the standards (I only checked a few different thread types and sizes). They both offer printed reports of the data in a logical fashion. I am afraid that is where the similiarities end.

ThreadTech should be used by anyone who needs standard thread data and who has the right size of thread wires. I did not see a way (maybe it will be in the new version) to use the software to calculate special threads or determine constants for non-standard thread wire sizes. Like I said, if you only need information for standard threads, this is the program to pick. It is very simple to use (which is hard to find in software today) and only takes a few key strokes to get the information you need.

When I went to download the demo I realized that I had looked at this program years ago when I was shopping around for thread software. The lack of versatility (being able to calculate data for special threads and wires) was the reason why I did not select it then.

STETFS should be used by anyone who needs special thread data in addition to standard thread data. One of the hardest things to get used to is that you just don't click on an icon and have the program open. The icon opens an explorer window and then you select the file by the thread type that you are interested in. If you need information on a different thread type you must close that file and open the other one. Once you get used to it, it only takes a few extra seconds to go from UN threads to NPT.

STETFS should not be used by amateurs or anyone with a weak heart. :lol: There are a whole bunch of screens to go through before you can get the information you need. You also have to start from the beginning each time you are looking up different size threads for the same thread type. This can be a very frustrating process until it is understood and mastered.

At this point, it sounds like I should not have purchased STETFS four times. But in reality, there is only one reason that I bought STETFS over ThreadTech or any of the others and that reason is flexibility. Many times I have run across a PD callout on a drawing that was not to the standard. What is the major or minor diameter for that PD? STETFS will tell you that and more. Ever wonder what happens to the PD of a buttress thread when the 7 degree and 45 degree angles are off. STETFS will tell you. (And believe me that process was not pretty when I had to explain all of that to the tool maker and the product engineer! :bonk:)

There is no comparison between these two programs. Both serve their designed purpose well. Your question should be what do I want from the software. Standard and simple go with ThreadTech. Dealing with non-standard threads and willing to put up with a little more time in front of a PC go with STETFS.

:topic: I would like to caution everyone. Using this software will make you lazy. You should look up some information in the standards (or other appropriate source) and compare it to the data from the software. Not so much to check the software, but to make sure that you understand where the numbers are coming from. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Wayne (and all other interested parties), I hope I gave you enough detail. I looked at the programs from the end user's viewpoint, not programming steps or whatever you call it (I know nothing about that kind of stuff). Thank you for asking me to do this. I hope I did it justice.

ThreadTech should be used by anyone who needs standard thread data and who has the right size of thread wires. I did not see a way (maybe it will be in the new version) to use the software to calculate special threads or determine constants for non-standard thread wire sizes.Thanks for the review.:applause:

The trial version does have the ability to change wire size within the acceptable range. As you progress through the questions there is a one asking if you want to use the best wire size or if you wish to change sizes. At that point it identifies the maximum and minimum usable wire sizes as well as the best wire size.:cool:

The trial version will allow you to modify thread size based on nominal major diameter or special pitch diameters.:tg:

It is very simple to use (which is hard to find in software today) and only takes a few key strokes to get the information you need.

STETFS should not be used by amateurs or anyone with a weak heart. :lol: There are a whole bunch of screens to go through before you can get the information you need. You also have to start from the beginning each time you are looking up different size threads for the same thread type. This can be a very frustrating process until it is understood and mastered.

There is no comparison between these two programs. Both serve their designed purpose well. Your question should be what do I want from the software. Standard and simple go with ThreadTech. Dealing with non-standard threads and willing to put up with a little more time in front of a PC go with STETFS.One thing to note from my view, I have never taken the time to fully comprehend STETFS.:mg: I do like my software simple.:o

My customers are, for the most part, casual thread gage users. Their need for a software is occasional. To that end I first offer them the ThreadTech. If they need assistance, it usually it only takes going through the software once over the phone and they are good to go.

Some of the gage makers that I sell for use both STETFS and ThreadTech. There are reasons for both. I have one gage maker who just has STETFS who calls me to run ThreadTech to mine some specific data not available in STEFTS.

Thank you Southern Girl.

I just recieved an official copy of STETFS. As said before I have used it and feel mor comfortable. I have a lot of data crunching to do with it to build a base of what's needed. And yes we use special threads all the time.