Partsgears

Partsgears is a term used to describe standardized modular gear components intended for rapid assembly of gear trains in mechanical systems. The concept centers on interchangeability and common interfaces, enabling designers to mix and match gears, shafts, spacers, bushings, and mounting plates to create custom reductions and drives without bespoke fabrication.

Components typically fall into a few core categories: gears (spur and helical as the common types), shafts with matching bores, spacers and hubs for axial positioning, bushings or bearings, and mounting plates or flanges. The parts are designed around shared pitch or module, bore sizes, and hole patterns to ensure compatibility across a range of gears and accessories. Materials span steel, aluminum, various plastics such as acetal, and non-metallic composites, with some ecosystems supporting 3D-printed versions for prototyping.

Design standards emphasize predictable mating geometry, tolerance ranges suitable for light to moderate loads, and clear documentation of gear tooth counts, pitch, and orientation. By adhering to these standards, parts from different vendors can be assembled into functional trains with minimal modification. Some implementations also define predefined gear ratios to simplify selection.

Manufacturing and availability vary by ecosystem. Traditional suppliers offer machined metal gears, aluminum hubs, and injection-molded plastic gears, while hobby and educational markets may emphasize cost-effective plastics and modular kits. 3D printing is commonly used for rapid prototyping and custom connectors. Partsgears support applications in education, robotics, small-scale automation, and prototyping where flexible gear configurations are advantageous.

See also: gears, gear train, modular systems, mechanical design.