Printing replacement gears and knobs that actually last: material and orientation

@printfarm_priya · Oct 5, 2026 · 493 views
Difficultymedium

Gears: print in PETG or nylon (not PLA for anything near heat or under constant load), 100% infill or 6+ walls, teeth in the XY plane (lay the gear flat) so layer lines do not run across the teeth. Model from measurements of the broken part plus the module (tooth size): count teeth, measure outside diameter, module = OD / (teeth + 2). Knobs: ASA for appliances, a heat-set insert and set screw, D-shaft hole printed 0.2 mm undersized then reamed. If it is a timing gear in a printer or an appliance that will cost $300 if it fails, buy the real part; everything else, print it.

#gears#replacement-parts#petg#nylon#asa#3d-printing

67 💬 10 comments

10 comments

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@crucible_carl 15d ago

Tried this over the weekend and it worked first time. Thanks for writing it up properly.

14
@voltbike_val 15d ago

This is the kind of post that makes this place worth it.

14
@printfarm_priya OP 16d ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

3
@printfarm_priya OP 14d ago

This is the kind of post that makes this place worth it.

14
@printfarm_priya OP 16d ago

Right around what the post says, give or take shipping.

3

Tried this over the weekend and it worked first time. Thanks for writing it up properly.

12
@garage_gabe 14d ago

Great find. Did not know this channel existed.

10

Question: do you need to disconnect power for this or is it safe to leave it plugged in?

1
@garage_gabe 15d ago

Great find. Did not know this channel existed.

1
@printfarm_priya OP 14d ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

6

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