Making a "Planetary Gear Set" using a 3D printer and PLA material

In summary, the conversation discusses the creation of a set of planetary gears with a 1:1 gear ratio, where the ring gear and the sun gear rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions. The gear set consists of a ring gear, a sun gear, and 2 planet gears, and the rotation speed of the sun and the ring gear needs to be the same. The AI suggests that for a functional gear with a 1:1 gear ratio, the sum of the number of teeth on the ring gear and planet gears must be equal to the sum of the number of teeth on the sun gear and planet gears. However, the person asking the question is unsure and seeks clarification on whether it is possible to have the ring and
  • #1
Joorge
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TL;DR Summary
Obtaining the same speed in the sun and ring gears, while moving in opposite directions in a planetary gear set.
I want to create a set of planetary gears using a 3D printer and PLA material. I'm designing them with the help of Autodesk Inventor 2020 since my knowledge in this area is quite limited. The gear set consists of a ring gear, a sun gear, and 2 planet gears. The sun and the ring gear rotate in opposite directions, while the planet gears remain stationary. I need the rotation speed of the sun and the ring gear to be the same. I mean, one turn of the ring coincides with one turn of the sun, if that's possible, which honestly I have no idea.

I asked ChatGPT, and it tells me the following:

"The basic condition for a functional planetary gear with a 1:1 gear ratio is that the sum of the number of teeth on the ring gear plus twice the number of teeth on the planet gears is equal to the sum of the number of teeth on the sun gear plus twice the number of teeth on the planet gears. Mathematically, this is expressed as:

C + 2P = S + 2P

Where:
C = Number of teeth on the ring gear
S = Number of teeth on the sun gear
P = Number of teeth on each planet gear

This means that the total number of teeth on the ring gear and planet gears must be equal to the total number of teeth on the sun gear and planet gears. By satisfying this equality, the gear ratio will be 1:1, allowing the ring gear and the sun gear to rotate at the same speed and in opposite directions."

Is this true? I'm not sure I can fully trust the AI on this matter, because it gave me a lot of wrong answers before I got to this text, which does seem coherent to me.

Thank you and regards.
 
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  • #2
Indeed, I'm asking again and it's telling me the last answer I've posted is wrong. I'd appreciate if you can tell me the "truth", LOL. It may not be possible for one turn of the ring to coincide with one turn of the sun, but I guess is right, as long as the ring and the sun have the same amount of teeth. Please let me know.
 
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  • #3
To keep the planets stationary the tangential speeds of sun and ring need to be equal but opposite. If you want their angular speeds to be equal and opposite too, their radii would have to be equal, so the planets would need to be of size zero.
 
  • #4
Thanks for your answer. Honestly, I don't know that much about tangential and angular speeds. What I need is the ring to turn once at the same time as the sun does, but in opposite directions, hence the planetary set. I understand this is possible as long as the ring and the sun have the same number of teeth, and the problem will be the diameter of the ring to be big enough to hold the sun and planets. It won't be possible for certain sizes. Do you think I'm right?
 
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  • #5
Joorge said:
It won't be possible for certain sizes. Do you think I'm right?
See my post above. It won't be possible for any feasible gear size.
 

FAQ: Making a "Planetary Gear Set" using a 3D printer and PLA material

What is a planetary gear set and how does it work?

A planetary gear set, also known as an epicyclic gear train, consists of a central sun gear, planet gears that rotate around the sun gear, and an outer ring gear that meshes with the planet gears. The planet gears are mounted on a carrier that itself can rotate. This setup allows for multiple gear ratios and is commonly used in applications requiring compact and efficient power transmission.

Can PLA material withstand the mechanical stresses in a planetary gear set?

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular 3D printing material known for its ease of use and good surface finish. However, PLA is relatively brittle and may not withstand high mechanical stresses or prolonged wear. For light-duty applications and prototypes, PLA can be sufficient, but for more demanding applications, materials like PETG, ABS, or nylon are recommended.

What are the key design considerations when 3D printing a planetary gear set?

When designing a planetary gear set for 3D printing, consider the following: ensure accurate gear meshing by maintaining proper tolerances, design for minimal friction and wear, use appropriate infill and wall thickness to enhance strength, and orient the print to optimize layer adhesion and minimize weak points. Additionally, post-processing steps like sanding and lubrication can improve performance.

How do I ensure dimensional accuracy in my 3D printed planetary gear set?

To ensure dimensional accuracy, calibrate your 3D printer regularly, use high-quality filament, and consider printing a test piece to verify tolerances. Adjust the print settings such as layer height, print speed, and temperature to achieve the best results. It's also beneficial to use a well-tuned slicer profile specific to your printer and material.

What software can I use to design a planetary gear set for 3D printing?

Several CAD software options are suitable for designing planetary gear sets, including Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Tinkercad. These programs offer tools to create precise gear geometries and simulate their interaction. Additionally, online gear generators can help in designing the gears by providing accurate tooth profiles and dimensions that can be imported into your CAD software.

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