Planetary Gearbox for 030 Motor

Planetary Gearbox for 030 Micro DC Motor

I’ve been experimenting with the 030 micro DC motor and planetary gear systems and designed a relatively well-functioning, ultra-compact gearbox. The focus was on optimizing the gearbox for FDM printing and ensuring good printability without overhangs that would require supports. The play and tolerances were intentionally made a bit larger to ensure proper functionality. The gear ratio is 1:6, which gives the 030 motor a theoretical speed of about 500 rpm. Due to additional friction, this speed is slightly reduced. The entire housing is only about 37 mm long and has a diameter of 23.4 mm.

I haven’t yet thought of a model where I’d like to use the gearbox myself, but you’re very welcome to use it in your own projects.

While designing it, I noticed its similarity to a Technic motor from building blocks, so I added pin holes and an axle mount. This makes it possible, for example, to power Technic models using CyberBrick.

3 Options in the print profile:

1. Plate 1: Blank Gearbox → Step Files are also uploaded to the RAW Files for adaption to your project 
2. Plate 2: Technic Brick compatible Gearbox → The box is a bit longer for the pin holes
3. Plate 3: Example with 5mm Hexagon Shaft 

I printed with 0.4 Nozzle with a reduced “outer wall width" for the gears. Maybe a 0.2 nozzle can do better results.

The gears have more play than usual. If  you think the gears are to tight or to loose you can adjust the 3 gears with the X-Y compensation in the slicer.

BOM:

1x 030 DC Motor (Included e.G. in Beginner Kit and CyberBrick Kit)

1x 8-tooth gear, which is included for example in the Beginner Kit and in every reduction gear kit.

I added the the 030 Motor and a reduction gear kit into the BOM, also added the Beginner Kit into the BOM which includes both parts.

✅ Uncheck for you're choice!

Assembly:

Insta Reel | TikTok

Check if all components printed smooth.

1. Insert the motor into the housing  
2. Insert the distance plate above the motor 
3. Press the 8 tooth gear on the shaft
4. Push the 3 gears to the pins 
5. Grease all gears! That's very important, without lubricant gears get a high temperature and can melt together!

6. Insert the completed shaft into the front housing.

   Tip: You can first install it rotated 180 degrees and run it in using, for example, a cordless screwdriver.

7. Check the orientation and push both housings together. 
8. Finished! You may need to give the small motor a little help until everything has run in.

Don't forget a virtual handshake👍…Happy Printing🎉