Screwless Cube Gears

thingiverse

This updated design has been replaced by a newer version found at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:213946, which offers better pins and more gear ratio options. It's recommended to print this alternative for improved reliability and ease of assembly. The original model was inspired by tbuser's pin connectors (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10288) and features fully printable cube gear sets that snap together without requiring screws. For those without access to a 3D printer, these can be purchased from caesia on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlasticFusion). A new version utilizes tbuser's V2 pin connectors (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:10541), is stronger, and prints upright. The design also includes features to enhance printing quality, such as narrow slices in the center block preventing sagging holes and a cut-out cylinder within gears for internal support of pins and reduced stringing. A version without internal slits has been added upon request (BcenterFlat.stl). Simply print according to the parts list and snap together, recommending one extra shell and zero infill for optimal results. If experiencing pin tolerance issues, adjustments can be made by reprinting pins at slightly different scales. The short pins fit small faces on the center block while long pins are for larger ones, ensuring a tight fit in the center block and loose spin in gears. The SCAD file is fully parametric, allowing for customization as desired. Two plates were also added by Nick Starno for those not using the multiply feature.