Gear Bracelet
The Concept
Take your love for engineering everywhere you go. This Gear Bracelet is a fusion of industrial style and functional mechanics. Designed with a modular approach, the center gears are printed separately to ensure high-precision teeth and a satisfying, low-friction spin. It’s more than just jewelry—it’s a wearable fidget for makers. Gears can switched out for different colored gears. Mix and Match
Sizing
Inner Diameter: 57.5mm (Standard Medium fit).
Scaling Note: You can scale the model up in your slicer for larger wrists. However, scaling down is not recommended. Due to the tight tolerances required for the snap-fit posts, scaling smaller may cause the mechanism to seize.
As a maker with 3 months of experience, I’ve optimized this for the current size—if you manage to successfully scale it down, I’d love to see your results!
Key Design Features
Modular Snap-Fit: The gears are engineered to snap securely onto the bracelet posts. No glue, screws, or extra hardware are required.
Tactile Feedback: Each gear rotates independently, providing a smooth, tactile experience.
Optimized Geometry: Designed specifically for FDM printing with minimal overhangs to ensure the posts stay perfectly round for consistent rotation.
Assembly Instructions
Print the bracelet base and the gear set (using contrasting colors creates a great visual "pop"!).
Clean the posts on the bracelet base to ensure there are no stray "blobs" or seams that might hinder rotation.
Snap each gear onto its designated post. You should feel a firm click once they are properly seated.
Spin the gears to "break them in" and enjoy the smooth mechanical movement.
Pro Tips for Success
Orientation: Ensure the counterbore (the recessed side) of the center gear is facing up before snapping it into place.
Technique: Angle the gear slightly over the overhanging lip of the post, then push down firmly.
Alignment: Make sure the teeth of the outer gears are aligned with the center gear teeth before you snap them in to avoid binding.
