From the chariot wheels crossing the Gobi Desert in 3,000 BCE to the intricate bronze clockwork of the Antikythera mechanism ...

When you push or pull with a simple machine, you are applying a force and doing work. And, if you get more force out of a machine than you put into it, then that machine has a mechanical advantage.

We’ve seen plenty of people 3D printing custom gears over the years, but [Mr Innovative] decided against an additive process for his bespoke component. He ended up using a simple CNC machine that ...

• Planetary units with helical gears, rather than spur gears, have higher torque capacity and run quieter. • Different manufacturers measure and rate backlash in different ways. • Software tools for ...