HexaGear Fidget – Single & Double Planetary
⚙️ HexaGear Fidget – Single & Double Planetary
HexaGear Fidget is a mechanical Print-in-Place fidget inspired by planetary gear systems. The design combines multiple intermeshing gears into a compact, fully functional mechanism that provides smooth, satisfying and addictive movement.
The project includes two different versions, allowing you to choose between a more compact design and a larger, more complex mechanism.
⚙️ Single Planetary
The smaller version features 6 planetary gears arranged around the central gear system. Despite its compact size, it provides a surprisingly complex and satisfying mechanical movement.
⚙️ Double Planetary
The larger version is approximately 1.2× bigger and features 6 planetary gears in a more complex double planetary arrangement. The additional gear interaction creates a more dynamic visual effect and a different feeling while rotating the mechanism.
Both versions are designed as Print-in-Place models, meaning the complete mechanism can be printed as a single piece without assembling individual gears.
🖨️ Recommended Print Settings
- Nozzle: 0.4 mm
- Layer Height: 0.2 mm
- Walls: 3–4
- Material: PLA
- Supports: ❌ Not required
- Brim: ⚠️ Not recommended
- Assembly: ❌ No assembly required
- Design: ✅ Print-in-Place
The models are specifically designed for support-free, Print-in-Place FDM printing.
⚠️ Important – Brim
A brim is not recommended for this model.
If you decide to use a brim, it is extremely important to remove it completely after printing.
Pay particular attention to:
- the spaces between the gears,
- the gear teeth,
- the areas around the planetary gears,
- and all other moving parts.
Even a small piece of leftover brim can lock the gears and prevent the Print-in-Place mechanism from working correctly.
Do not force the mechanism if it is blocked. Carefully inspect the gears and remove any remaining filament first.
🔧 After Printing – Important
Since this is a Print-in-Place mechanical model, the gears may initially feel tight immediately after printing. This is normal.
After removing the model from the build plate:
- Carefully inspect the entire mechanism.
- Remove any strings or small pieces of excess filament.
- Check that there is no material remaining between the gear teeth.
- Gently flex and loosen the mechanism by hand.
- Slowly move the gears back and forth.
- Gradually increase the range of movement until the mechanism starts moving freely.
The mechanism may require a little manual break-in before it reaches its smoothest operation.
⚠️ Do not use excessive force. The goal is to gently loosen the printed connections and gears, not to force them apart.
After a short break-in period, the mechanism should become noticeably smoother and more enjoyable to operate.
✨ Features
- ⚙️ 6 planetary gears
- 🔄 Print-in-Place mechanism
- 🖨️ Prints as one complete piece
- 🚫 No supports required
- ❌ No assembly required
- 🌀 Smooth and satisfying mechanical movement
- 👁️ Complex visual gear interaction
- 📐 Two versions: Single & Double Planetary
- 📏 Double version approximately 1.2× larger
- ♻️ Optimized for PLA
- 🎯 Designed specifically for FDM 3D printing
- 🔧 Simple post-print break-in
Print it. Break it in. Spin it. Enjoy it. ⚙️🌀
You are prohibited from sharing, sub-licensing, selling, renting, hosting, transferring, or distributing the digital file or 3D printed versions of this object, as well as any other derivative work in either digital or physical form (including remixes).You are not allowed to use the objects in any manner that involves charging money or collecting fees without permission.
