Helicoil representation in 3D model

We have custom hole files and we add in solid models for the Helicoils. We use the models more to drive BOMs than anything else though.

A 2-step process.

In the part file, show the holes drilled and tapped for the heli-coil insert, Using a custom hole file is the best way to handle that information.

Your final file is the assembly with the heli-coils inserted. This part goes into your next higher assemblies.

We did the same process for parts that had  weld studs attached. The blank part file and the assembly with the weld studs.

If you're talking the Heli-Coil brand or type inserts (made out of diamond-section wire), they use a larger major diameter (use the one they specify - their custom tap), but have the same exact pitch of the thread you specify.  Keenserts are solid inserts, and from what I remember use a larger standard tap (and pitch) than the thread you want.

For modeling purposes, I'd make it an assembly, an model the hole at the minor dia, with a cosmetic thread at the major dia of whatever tap is needed.  Then model the inserts as simple hollow cylinders with the major and minor diameters.  Done.  simple, and your graphics card and processor will thank you, especially in large assemblies.  For some reason, the assemblies I'm working on actually has the helical wire of the Heli-Coils modeled....Ugh!

Similar to what the other guys are saying.

We have a custom hole table containing the parameters from the manufacturer (ours are metric) so the cosmetic thread is shown in the base part. Then we have a family table of wire thread inserts which are a cylinder with a cosmetic thread. As detailed by Frank this is less of a burden on regen times and the items can be shown in the bom.