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also offers a streamlined online generator, capable of creating spur, helical, and herringbone gears. As is often emphasized for 3D printing projects, these models are designed to print without support structures. You can customize a gear's module, tooth count, width, shaft type, and hole diameter, then download the STL.
Print gears flat on the bed for the strongest teeth. gear+generator+stl
There are dozens of tools out there, but these three cover the needs of almost every maker.
Designing gears from scratch in standard CAD software can be tedious. It requires precise mathematical calculations for the involute curve of the teeth to ensure smooth rotation and minimal friction. Specialized gear generators automate this math. By outputting directly to the Stereolithography (STL) format, these tools bridge the gap between complex mechanical engineering and rapid prototyping. Core Parameters You Can Customize : also offers a streamlined online generator, capable
): The number of teeth on the gear. A minimum of 13 teeth is recommended for a 20° pressure angle to avoid "undercutting".
Next time you are designing a project, try using or the Fusion 360 Spur Gear script . Focus on your module and your center distance, and you’ll be printing smooth-running gearboxes in no time. Print gears flat on the bed for the strongest teeth
Generating gears in STL can be a daunting task, especially for complex designs. The STL format, while widely supported, has limitations when it comes to representing complex geometries, such as gears. The format uses a tessellation of triangles to approximate the surface of a model, which can lead to inaccuracies and roughness in the gear teeth.
Here is the standard workflow for creating a custom gear using as an example:
Perfect for makers who prefer open-source mesh modeling. The add-on allows you to create spur, bevel, and helical gears with exact metrics.