Gear Designer: Local browser tool for designing 3D printable gear models.

What it does

Neo Gear is a browser-based tool for generating parametric gear models. Users adjust variables like module, tooth count, pressure angle, backlash, and helix angle through a form interface. The tool calculates gear dimensions in real time and displays a 3D preview. Models can be exported as STL or 3MF files for 3D printing, CAD software, or CNC machining.

Who it is for

The tool serves makers, engineers, and hobbyists who design mechanical assemblies. This includes people prototyping with 3D printers, students learning gear design, and professionals who need custom gears but lack specialized CAD knowledge. Anyone building projects that require spur or helical gears could use it.

Pricing

The site does not show prices.

How it stands out

Neo Gear runs locally in the browser, meaning no account or cloud service is required. This eliminates friction and privacy concerns. The interface exposes standard involute gear parameters—module, pressure angle, backlash, clearance, profile shift, helix angle—giving users control over precision and strength. The real-time 3D preview lets designers see changes instantly. Export to both STL and 3MF formats covers different workflows and software ecosystems. The tool handles multiple shaft hole types, including round, keyed, D-shaft, hexagonal, and square options.

What a founder should check

First, investigate whether existing tools already own this space. Fusion 360, FreeCAD, and Fusion 360's add-ins provide gear generation; some are free or include gear libraries. Determine what switching costs exist. Engineers already invested in Fusion 360 workflows may not adopt a separate tool unless it saves significant time or money. Second, verify the moat. Involute gear mathematics are well-documented and not proprietary. The advantage here is UI simplicity and speed—but competitors can replicate both. As more tools add parametric gear generators, differentiation based on features alone may blur. Third, assess pricing pressure. If comparable functionality remains free in Fusion 360 or other CAD suites, charging users for Neo Gear may limit adoption. A freemium or ad-supported model might face pressure to keep core features free.

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