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Worm Drive Generator (OwlCAD)

A worm and worm wheel for a compact, high reduction, with the ratio and center distance worked out

Worm Drive Generator (OwlCAD) is a free browser tool for getting a big reduction in a small space, such as a slow lift or turntable. The customizers and the editor are free; only OwlCAD's AI features need the Pro subscription. Exports STL and 3MF; no account needed. Last checked 16 October 2026.

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At a glance

Price: The customizers and the editor are free; only OwlCAD's AI features need the Pro subscription
Runs on: Browser
Exports: STL, 3MF
Multicolor: No, single color
Account: Not needed
Open source: No
Skill level: Easy: a few settings to tune
Best for: Getting a big reduction in a small space, such as a slow lift or turntable
Selling prints: Allowed OwlCAD's terms include commercial use on every plan, the free tier included: you may sell prints, sell or license the files and use them in a product, with no royalty and no attribution required.
How we checked: Opened the generator Customizer opened in a browser with no account: the default worm and wheel rendered in 3D with all settings; pricing and terms read
Checked by: Mike Janssen
Last checked: 16 October 2026

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Sources: Worm drive customizer, OwlCAD pricing, OwlCAD terms (checked 16 October 2026)

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What is Worm Drive Generator (OwlCAD)?

The Worm Drive Generator is one of the free customizers in OwlCAD, a browser-based parametric CAD tool. It makes a worm and a worm wheel that mesh at 90 degrees, for a compact, high reduction that is often self-locking.

You set the module, the number of wheel teeth and the number of worm starts (1 to 6), and it derives the reduction, the lead angle and the center distance as you go. You can also change the worm diameter and length, the wheel width, the pressure angle (10 to 30 degrees), the bore and the backlash (0 to 1 mm), keep the teeth apart for printing, and choose a hobbed (throated) wheel.

It runs in the browser with no account and costs nothing; only OwlCAD's AI features are paid. It is one of 35 free OwlCAD customizers, and you can open the result in the full editor if you want to change more. Its terms give you full commercial rights to what you make, the free plan included.