YouTuber shows how a planetary gearbox can be produced using a 3D printer – including STL download

Planetary gears are often considered complex components – especially in mechanical engineering or robotics. However, with the right approach, they are surprisingly easy to design and produce using a 3D printer. YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith demonstrates in a video how to design and print a functioning 5:1 gearbox step by step. He also provides the appropriate STL files on Thingiverse.

The concept is based on three central components: the sun gear in the middle, several planetary gears and the outer ring gear (ring). The correct distribution of the number of teeth is crucial for the geometry. The formula is simple: the number of teeth on the ring gear corresponds to the sum of twice the number of teeth on the planetary gear and the sun gear. For a sun gear with 20 teeth and planetary gears with 30 teeth each, this results in a ring gear with 80 teeth. This basis allows a transmission ratio of 5:1.

Robert Murray-Smith uses the online tool STLgears.com, which generates various gear designs such as spur, hollow or herringbone gears as STL files. For the version presented, he uses double-helical gears, also known as herringbone gears, which are particularly suitable for 3D-printed “print-in-place” designs. The gears mesh together cleanly without the need for additional post-processing.

For production, the developer recommends minimally reducing the size of the planetary gear to ensure a sufficient fit and mobility directly after printing. All components are aligned in Tinkercad and prepared for assembly.

The model is primarily for demonstration purposes, but provides a practical introduction to the design of functional gears with the 3D printer.

---

Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM

Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

First Name *

Last Name *

Company / Organization *

Job Title *

Email *

Phone *

Title Company First

Country *

Industry *Consumer Goods & ElectronicsHealthcareAgricultural MachineryElectrical ComponentsEnergyHVACOther Machinery & EquipmentPipes, Tubes, & Fluid SystemsProcessing & Packaging MachineryRoboticsTextile MachineryWire Harness & Cable Assemblies3D Printing Service BureauCNC Job ShopContract ManufacturerEngineering CompanyInjection MolderMold MakerProduct Design AgenciesMilitary, Defense, & AerospaceMobility & TransportationResearch & EducationOther

Contact *EmailPhoneDo not contact me

By filling this form, HP may contact you to keep you updated on offers, updates and events. Please, select your preferences.

GDPR Agreement *

• When you submit the form, the data is transferred to 3Druck.com and HP. An HP employee may contact you using the contact details provided.

You can find out more about 3Printr.com's privacy policy here.

Access the webinar free of charge

Subscribe to our Newsletter

3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.

First Name

Last Name

E-Mail*

Privacy Policy*

I want to register for the newsletter for free.  

You can find the privacy policy for the newsletter here. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. For further questions, you can contact us here.

Subscribe for free