50 mechanisms in motion in 3D, every part ready to print
Pick one of 50 mechanisms and watch it work in 3D. The motion is solved from the drive angle, and every part has its own parameters and downloads as STL or 3MF.
Part of Pro, 15 EUR a month.
- 50 mechanismsfrom a lever to a planetary gearbox
- Angle θmotion is solved, not drawn
- Printable partsSTL and 3MF for each
- Machine elementsgears, bearings, shafts, keys
What the mechanism simulator shows
Mechanism simulator online is a studio from EduFacturing with 50 mechanisms that turn one motion into another: rotation into straight-line motion, rocking, steps or an approximate straight line. Each mechanism runs in 3D and each of its parts is a separate 3D configurator you can print.
The motion is not a drawn animation. At every angle of the driving link, the positions of the other links are calculated from their dimensions, so changing a length changes the motion.
Below the mechanism, the result shows as a number: piston position, stroke, output angle, gear ratio or mechanical advantage.
What it does: 50 mechanisms in 3D with printable parts
Shows 50 mechanisms in 3D
Linkages (four-bar, the Chebyshev, Watt and Roberts straight-line linkages), cams, intermittent motion (Geneva drive, ratchet, escapement), gears (worm, bevel, planetary, belt, chain) and whole machines such as a crank press and a centrifugal governor.
Solves the motion from the angle
The θ slider drives the input link and the others follow from the geometry. You can stop it at any angle.
Gives every part for printing
In the Components (3D) view every part has its own parameters and downloads as STL or 3MF. The whole assembly downloads as STL in the pose where you stopped it.
Puts parts into a demo assembly
The assembly combines parts from three configurators (two T-slot profiles, a gear reducer and M4 bolts) and checks that no pair of parts overlaps.
When you need a mechanism animation
A mechanism is understood when you see it move, and learned when you assemble it.
Lessons on machine elements and mechanisms
A teacher shows how a slider-crank makes a stroke of 2r or how a Geneva drive turns in steps, and stops the motion at any angle.
A teaching model to print
Download and print the parts and assemble the mechanism on the desk: the motion can be seen and handled.
Choosing a mechanism for a design
A designer compares which mechanism gives the motion needed: straight, sinusoidal, with a dwell or with a quick return.
Maker projects
Automata, moving toys and robots: a ready mechanism with parts that print and assemble.
Mechanism kinematics: how the motion is solved
Every mechanism is described by the angle θ of its driving link. For each angle the code finds the position of every link with an exact formula instead of drawing frames.
Drive
The slider or the animation sets the angle θ of the driving link, from 0° to 360°.
Positions
Joint and slider positions are calculated from the link lengths. For the four-bar linkage, point C is the intersection of two circles.
Result
The output shows as a number: position in mm, stroke, angle, gear ratio or mechanical advantage.
Parts
Every part is built as a closed 3D solid from its parameters and downloads for printing.
| Applies to | Formula | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Slider-crank | x = r·cos θ + √(L² − r²·sin² θ) | piston position; the stroke is 2r |
| Scotch yoke | x = r·cos θ | the output is a pure sine |
| Eccentric | stroke = 2e | e is the rotor offset |
| Toggle lever | advantage = l_in / l_out | how many times the force is multiplied |
| Gear reducer | i = z₂ / z₁ | gear ratio from the tooth counts |
Motion from the dimensions, parts to print
The motion is calculated
Positions come from the geometry at every angle, so the motion matches the dimensions instead of someone else's animation.
From the screen to your hand
Every part prints, as STL and 3MF, and the mechanism can be assembled for real.
50 mechanisms in one place
Each with the motion it produces, the output figure and an explanation of the principle.
Real machine elements
Gears have teeth, bearings and shafts have dimensions, and a key locks the gear to the shaft.
The studio calculates motion and geometry. Forces, stresses, strength and fatigue of the parts are not calculated: a loaded part needs a calculation to a standard and a suitable material.
Printed parts are for models, teaching and lightly loaded mechanisms, not for a working machine.
Questions about slider-crank, Geneva drive and printing
How does a slider crank work?
The crank of radius r turns one end of the connecting rod and the other end drives the piston along a straight line. The piston position is x = r·cos θ + √(L² − r²·sin² θ) and the stroke is 2r.
How to convert rotary motion to linear motion?
With a slider-crank or a Scotch yoke, both in the studio. A Scotch yoke gives an exact sine motion, x = r·cos θ. A slider-crank distorts it slightly because the connecting rod has a finite length.
How does a Geneva drive work?
It turns continuous rotation into stepped rotation. With n slots, each step is 360°/n, and between steps the output is locked.
Can you 3D print the parts of a mechanism?
Yes. Every part downloads as STL or 3MF, and the whole assembly as STL in the pose where you stopped it.
Does the simulator calculate forces and strength?
No. It shows the motion, the stroke, the angles and the ratios. The strength of a loaded part is calculated separately.
How much does it cost, and how do I get access?
The mechanisms are part of Pro at 15 EUR a month. Pro also opens the other Pro tools in the catalog.
The mechanism simulator is part of Pro
Pro costs 15 EUR a month and opens all 45 Pro tools.
In the Design group:
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See the mechanism move
Part of Pro, 15 EUR a month.