GearTrax 2021, developed by , is a specialized engineering add-on designed to automate the creation of accurate 3D drive components within CAD environments like SOLIDWORKS Autodesk Inventor Solid Edge
. It focuses on generating complex gear geometries in seconds rather than hours by using engineering parameters. Core Design Features Comprehensive Component Support
: It creates solid models for a wide range of parts, including:
: Spur, helical, bevel (straight and spiral), worm, rack, face, and elliptical gear sets. Transmission
: Timing belt pulleys (HTS, HTD, PowerGrip GT), chain sprockets, and V-belt pulleys. Mechanisms
: Involute splines, cycloidal drive mechanisms, and internal gear sets. Standards Compliance : Supports international gear standards such as British standards True Involute Profiles
: Generates true involute tooth profiles and cycloidal (clock) tooth profiles for high precision. Manufacturing Readiness : Features like plastic mold shrinkage tooth tip radius
adjustments allow for models suitable for manufacturing and prototyping. User Experience & Workflow Intuitive Interface geartrax 2021
: The "3rd Generation" interface features an expandable data screen for easier value manipulation and a larger graphics window. Real-time Animation
: An animation window displays the gear mesh, updating instantly as data is changed to help users understand how parameters affect the final product. CAD Integration
: It operates as an external complement that, once parameters are set, automatically opens the CAD software to model the part or assembly with proper mating. Data Export : Integrates with
to create detailed data sheets and can export involute points in text or CSV formats for further analysis. Comparison: GearTrax vs. GearTraxPRO GearTrax (Standard) GearTraxPRO Component Limit Limited to 2 components Limited to 2 components Standard window Sizable and detachable graphics window Customization Basic label text editing Advanced profile and font/color styles Advanced Tools Standard tooth profile control Tooth crowning and profile modifications
: For users requiring more than two components in a single assembly or planetary gear wizards,
is the recommended advanced solution from the same developer. GearTrax - Camnetics
Key Features:
New Features in GearTrax 2021:
System Requirements:
Benefits:
Overall, GearTrax 2021 is a powerful tool for designing and manufacturing gears, shafts, and other mechanical components. Its intuitive interface, advanced features, and compatibility with popular CAD software make it an ideal choice for engineers and designers.
Here’s a short, interesting report on GearTrax 2021, focusing on its unique capabilities, why it stood out at the time, and how it compares to other gear-design tools.
Using GearTrax 2021 is remarkably intuitive. Here is a typical workflow for creating a helical gear set:
Step 1: Launch the Application Open GearTrax 2021 via your CAD’s Tools menu or as a standalone application. The main dashboard displays a row of icons for each component type (Spur, Helical, Bevel, etc.). GearTrax 2021, developed by , is a specialized
Step 2: Select Unit System Choose between Metric (Module) or Imperial (Diametral Pitch).
Step 3: Enter Gear 1 Parameters
Step 4: Generate Mate Gear (Gear 2) Click the "Mate Gear" tab. GearTrax automatically calculates the required number of teeth based on your desired center distance, or you can manually specify the ratio (e.g., 2:1 resulting in 40 teeth).
Step 5: Define Bore/Hub Details Use the "Boss/Cut" tab to add a central bore, keyways, set screw hubs, or lightening pockets. These features are generated directly into the final CAD part.
Step 6: Generate Click the "Generate" (or "Create") button. GearTrax will launch your CAD software (if not already open) and build the two gear parts. The process takes seconds—a task that would take an expert user hours to sketch manually.
While this article focuses on GearTrax 2021, note that CamNetics has continued development. However, 2021 remains a stable "sweet spot" for many shops that are still using SolidWorks 2021 or Windows 10 LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel). It avoids the cloud-based subscription fatigue of newer versions while offering all the necessary mechanical engineering features.
Most CAD users don't know that the involute curve only exists above the form diameter. Below that, it’s a trochoid (generated by the cutting tool). Geartrax 2021 visually highlights where the "true involute" ends. If you try to put a sensor or bearing seat there, it warns you. New Features in GearTrax 2021:
