Shaft diameters
Measure each real shaft and decide whether the printed bore should slide, locate or be finished after printing.
Editable spur gear template
Generate a matched 2:1 spur gear pair for a hand-driven prototype
This starter pairs an 18-tooth gear with a 36-tooth gear at module 1.5. Change the tooth counts, bores, face width and backlash, then export the two gears and a smaller backlash trial from the same parameter set.
A transparent way to explore a printable external gear pair while keeping ratio, centre distance, bore fit and backlash visible.
What to measure first
The starter dimensions are there to make the controls understandable. Replace them with evidence from the real part, space and print setup.
Available centre distance
The starter's nominal pitch-centre distance is 40.5 mm; confirm the mounting geometry can place both axes correctly.
Available envelope
Check space around both outside diameters, not only the pitch circles, throughout the intended motion.
Face-width allowance
Confirm the 8 mm starting width, shaft engagement and neighbouring hardware suit the prototype layout.
Published starter settings
These values produce the preview shown above. They remain editable after the template opens in the EazyMake studio.
Ratio2:136 teeth divided by 18 teeth.
Module1.5 mmShared by both involute gears.
Teeth18 + 36Editable while preserving a matched module.
Pitch diameters27 + 54 mmModule multiplied by tooth count.
Centre distance40.5 mmHalf the sum of the pitch diameters.
Starting backlash0.20 mmTest with the supplied trial; it is not universally correct.
From measurement to printable part
The generator keeps the important decisions visible and carries one parameter set through geometry, inspection, calibration and export.
Define the motion
Choose which shaft drives, the required ratio and the direction change produced by the external gear pair.
Measure the installation
Record both shaft diameters, usable centre distance, axial space and the surrounding envelope.
Adjust the shared geometry
Edit module, tooth counts, pressure-angle settings, face width, bores and backlash without mixing incompatible gear parameters.
Print the backlash trial
Compare the supplied variants on the intended printer setup before producing the complete gears.
Inspect and export
Review each generated part and export only after the topology and printable-mesh checks complete successfully.
Print notes
- Use the same print orientation, extrusion settings and material for the trial and final gear pair.
- Inspect small tooth tips in the slicer; nozzle width and layer height can materially change how fine teeth are reproduced.
- A printed bore may need its own clearance trial or a deliberate finishing operation.
- Check both the meshing feel and the mounted shaft alignment rather than judging the loose gears by eye.
Know the limits
- These are prototype gears. Generated geometry and a clean slice do not establish torque, wear life, speed, noise, temperature resistance or safe guarding.
- The displayed ratio describes tooth counts; real output behaviour also depends on which gear drives and on losses in the complete mechanism.
- The 0.20 mm backlash is a starting experiment tied to a print setup, not a universal allowance.
Common questions
Answers specific to this starter and the measurements it exposes.
What makes this a 2:1 gear pair?
The larger gear has 36 teeth and the smaller has 18. One revolution of the 36-tooth gear corresponds to two revolutions of the 18-tooth gear, with the direction reversed by the external mesh.
How is the 40.5 mm centre distance calculated?
For this standard external pair, each pitch diameter is module multiplied by tooth count. Half of 27 mm plus 54 mm gives a nominal pitch-centre distance of 40.5 mm.
Can I change the bore sizes independently?
Yes. The starter begins with two 5 mm bores, but each gear bore is editable. Measure both shafts and test the intended printed fit.
Are these gears suitable for a powered machine?
Not on the evidence provided by generation or slicing alone. A powered or safety-relevant application needs separate material, load, wear, guarding and failure testing.
Keep exploring
Use the guide when you need the reasoning, or open another template to see the same measurement-first workflow in a different part family.
Make this starter your own
Open the real generator, replace the example dimensions and keep the calibration result tied to your printer and material.