Which module works for FDM printing?
With a 0.4 mm nozzle, stay at module 1 or above; module 1.5–2 is the sweet spot for strong, quiet printed gears. Below module 1 the tooth flanks lose their involute shape to the nozzle radius.
Spur gear generator with a true involute profile
Set module, tooth count, pressure angle, face width and bore — the generator computes a proper involute tooth profile, not a cosmetic approximation, so printed pairs actually mesh. Because the result is parametric CAD, hubs, keyways and lightening holes are one agent edit away.
- - Real involute flanks — pairs with matching module mesh correctly
- - 20° or 25° pressure angle, 8 to 120 teeth
- - Round or hex bore for shafts and standard hardware
- - Need a keyway, hub or matching rack? Ask the AI agent
Parameters you can tune
Each parameter below rebuilds real geometry on every change — this is parametric CAD, not a scaled mesh.
| Parameter | Default | Range | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module | 2 mm | 1 – 5 | Tooth size; mating gears must share it. |
| Number of teeth | 20 | 8 – 120 | Pitch diameter = module × teeth. |
| Pressure angle | 20 ° | 20 / 25 | 20° standard; 25° for stubbier, stronger teeth. |
| Face width | 10 mm | 3 – 40 | Gear thickness along the axis. |
| Bore style | circular | none / circular / hex | Center hole: round shaft or hex socket. |
| Bore size | 8 mm | 2 – 30 | Shaft diameter, or hex across-flats. |
How it works
- 1.Open the generator — the model builds right in your browser, nothing to install.
- 2.Tune dimensions and options in the parameter panel; the geometry rebuilds live in 3D.
- 3.Export STL / STEP / 3MF for printing — or ask the AI agent for features beyond the sliders.
FAQ
How do I make two gears that mesh?
Generate both with the same module and pressure angle, any tooth counts you like. Center distance = module × (teeth₁ + teeth₂) / 2. Add 0.1–0.2 mm to that distance for printed backlash.
What material and settings for printed gears?
PETG for general use, nylon for high wear. Print flat, 100% infill or at least 5 perimeters so the teeth are solid, 0.15 mm layers keep flanks smooth.