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Gears

Overview​

  • What they are:
    • Wheels with teeth cut around their edges.
  • What they do:
    • The teeth of one gear fit into the teeth of another gear, so turning one gear makes the connected gear turn. They are used to transfer power and can change how fast something spins or the amount of twisting force (torque), and even change the direction.
  • Pros:
    • Very strong and efficient for transferring power, highly precise motion (no slipping), good for changing speed and torque in a small space.
  • Cons:
    -Can be loud, need to be lined up very carefully to work right, only work well when they are close together, can cost more to make.

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Argos Standard​

Gears
Argos almost always uses 20dp gears with hex shafts or spline shafts.

  • 20dp refers to the specific size and spacing of the gear teeth, ensuring proper meshing.
  • Hex shafts are the six-sided axles these gears mount onto, providing a strong, non-slip connection
  • Spline shaft is a rod that has multiple ridges or "teeth" running along its length.

Pinions
A pinion is just a small gear. It's often the first gear connected to a motor or spinning shaft, and it meshes with a larger gear to transfer power.

How to Calculate Gear Center Distance​

Gear Center Distance Calculator

To calculate the theoretical center distance between two meshing spur gears with the same diametral pitch (DP), you use the following equation:

Center Distance = ((N1+N2)/(2 x DP)) + Extra_Distance

Where:

  • N1 is the number of teeth on the first gear
  • N2 is the number of teeth on the second gear
  • DP is the diametral pitch (the number of teeth per inch of pitch diameter)
  • Extra_Distance = account for manufacturing tolerances and ensure smooth operation (Should be 0.003 in)

Gear Calculator​

Gear Center Distance Calculator

Recommended: 0.003 inches
Enter valid gear teeth values to see center distance calculation

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Motor Performance Calculator​

Motor Performance Calculator

Step 1: Select Motor
Multiple motors add torque and current
Step 2: Input Gear Ratio
RatioGear Sizes
Motor RPM ÷ Output RPM
Examples:
• Ratio = 1 (direct drive)
• Ratio = 10 (10:1 reduction)
• Ratio = 0.5 (2:1 speed increase)
Step 3: Output Type
Step 4: Geared Performance
Select motor and enter gear ratio to see performance results

Quick Reference​

1/2" Hex Gears​

1/2 hex gears

Stocked Sizes
Available teeth: 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60

Where to Buy
1/2 Hex Gears - West Coast Products

3/8" Hex Gears​

3/8 hex gears

Stocked Sizes
Available teeth: N/A

Where to Buy
3/8 Hex Gears - West Coast Products

Falcon Pinion​

Falcon pinion

Stocked Sizes
Available teeth: 12 | 14 | 16

Where to Buy
Falcon Pinions - West Coast Products

Kraken Pinion​

Kraken pinion

Stocked Sizes
Available teeth: 12 | 14 | 16

Where to Buy
Kraken Pinions - West Coast Products