Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Blender does not, by default, have the tools that allow it to make gears with ease. But
one of Blender's strengths is that it is modular, and can easily have its functionality
extended. Some of these extensions are included in Blender's installation, and just
waiting to be activated. One of them adds gears to the objects that can be created.
This project will start by extracting the spring from a mechanical pencil or pen. Then
the spring will be measured, and a model will be built around it using an add-on for
Blender that allows the creation of gear shapes.
Extracting the spring
Small springs suitable for jobs like this can be found inside spent mechanical pencils
or ball point pens. Some mechanical pencils may need to be broken to get to the
spring inside.
Once a spring is acquired it will need to be measured carefully. Measure the outside
and inside diameter of the spring, as well as its length when fully extended and fully
compressed. Most springs of these kinds will have similar measurements to the one
in the illustration. If the spring used is different, then the dimensions in the project
will have to be adjusted.
