Gear Generator 3
Long-running browser gear designer and simulator with STL and OBJ export
Opens geargenerator.com
About Gear Generator 3
Gear Generator by Abel Vincze has been a go-to gear tool since 2014, and version 3 brings it into 3D. You design involute gears right in the browser: spur, helical and herringbone gears, racks, ring gears, planetary sets, chain sprockets and belt pulleys can all be added to one drawing.
The standout feature is the simulation. Gears mesh on screen and you can start the animation to watch a whole train turn, which shows ratios and fit before you print. When the design looks right, export the parts as STL or OBJ for 3D printing, or as SVG or DXF for laser cutting and CNC. A 3D preview shows thickness and other 3D settings when your browser supports WebGL2.
No account or paid tier was visible when checked. It suits makers, students and teachers who want to understand a gear train, not just download a single gear, though it has more controls than a simple form.
What you can make
- Spur and helical gears
- Herringbone gears
- Planetary gear sets
- Chain sprockets
- Belt pulleys
How to use it
- Open the site and add gears to the canvas
- Set tooth count, size and gear type
- Run the animation to check meshing
- Export STL or OBJ and slice
Good
- Live simulation of whole gear trains
- Many gear types including planetary sets and sprockets
- Exports for both 3D printing and laser cutting
Not so good
- Interface has many controls and assumes some gear knowledge
- 3D preview needs WebGL2
What you'll need to print it
Materials and parts that give the best results with Gear Generator 3.
PETG for functional and outdoor prints
PETG handles heat, sunlight and repeated flexing better than PLA, so Gridfinity bins in a hot garage or signs mounted outdoors keep their shape.
- Bambu Lab PETG BasicUpgraded formula that Bambu says matches PLA Basic for strength while staying impact-tough; low price per spool in multi-roll bundles.
- Polymaker PETGHigh-flow replacement for PolyLite PETG: strong, low-odour and quick to print.
- Overture High Speed PETGGood-value PETG in a large colour range for functional parts in bulk.
M3 heat-set inserts and installation tips
Brass heat-set inserts give printed parts real metal threads that survive repeated screwing, and a dedicated insertion tip keeps each insert straight and flush.
- ruthex M3 threaded inserts RX-M3x5.7 (100 pcs)Brass inserts made for 3D-printed plastic, with matching ruthex soldering-tip sets.
- CNC Kitchen Heat Set Insert M3 x 5.7 (100 pcs)Double-knurled, lead-free brass; CNC Kitchen also sells an installation tip set for T18/900M irons.
- Bambu Lab Heat-Stake Nut Tool Tip SetInsertion tips with an optional USB-C soldering-iron bundle; pairs with Bambu's M3 brass inserts.
M3 screw assortment
M3 is the default fastener size for printed enclosures, hinges and mounts; a sorted kit of lengths saves a hardware-store trip whenever a model calls for bolts.
- Bambu Lab Fastener KitMixed self-tapping and machine screws with nuts, matched to Maker's Supply projects.
- Hilitchi M3 socket head cap screw assortment kitClassic boxed M3 assortment with nuts and washers in many lengths.
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