Studying the Finer Points of 3D Printed Gears
How to Mechatronics on YouTube created an in-depth guide comparing the performance of 3D printed gears, focusing on three types: spur, helical, and herringbone gears. The guide aims to clarify the effects of various printing factors, such as infill density, on gear strength, and it examines different materials like PLA, carbon fiber PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, and nylon to determine the best options. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into optimizing 3D printed gear performance.
Spur gears are known for their efficiency due to the minimal contact path when engaged, but their sudden tooth contact creates high impulse loads, which can reduce durability and increase noise. Helical gears, with their angled teeth, offer smoother operation and reduced noise, enhancing load-carrying capacity and durability. The gradual engagement of helical gears involves multiple teeth in power transmission, distributing the load more evenly but generating significant sideways force that requires additional structural support, such as bearings.
Herringbone gears, which combine two helical gears with opposing thrusts, address the sideways force issue by canceling it out, making them a superior choice in many applications. However, they still require proper bearings to manage the increased axial force. The guide also highlights practical recommendations for 3D printing gears, such as increasing wall count to five passes and maintaining a minimum infill of 35%.
The material tests showed mixed results, as factors like filament age, moisture absorption, and color affect breaking strength. Despite the variety of materials available, PLA remains a reliable and cost-effective option for 3D printed gears. The guide concludes that while herringbone gears are generally the best choice for their balanced performance, ensuring appropriate bearing support is crucial for optimal functionality.
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