Before installing, verify compatibility:
| Component | Requirement | |-----------|-------------| | SOLIDWORKS Version | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 (SP2 or higher recommended) | | Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit (build 1809 or later), Windows 11 | | Processor | Intel Xeon or Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 (3.0 GHz+) | | RAM | 16 GB minimum (32 GB for complex bevel/worm assemblies) | | Graphics | Certified SOLIDWORKS GPU (NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro) | | Hard Disk | 500 MB for add-in + scratch space for temp models |
Geartrax 2022 does NOT support macOS or Linux, even with virtual machines—graphics pass-through issues cause tooth profile corruption.
Before installing Geartrax 2022, ensure your system meets these requirements:
Note: Geartrax 2022 is not compatible with SOLIDWORKS 2017 or earlier. It also does not run natively on Fusion 360 or Autodesk Inventor (though you can export STEP files). geartrax 2022
New support for DIN 5480 and JIS B 1603 involute splines was added, making the tool more viable for European and Asian automotive projects.
The jump from earlier versions (2020, 2021) to Geartrax 2022 introduced several quality-of-life and technical improvements:
Introduction: The Evolution of Gear Design Software
For mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing specialists, creating accurate 3D models of gear assemblies has historically been a tedious, math-heavy process. Enter Geartrax 2022—a dedicated add-in for SOLIDWORKS that automates the complex calculations and modeling steps required to generate precise, manufacturing-ready gear geometry. Geartrax 2022 does NOT support macOS or Linux,
As part of the 2022 release cycle, this version brought significant refinements in stability, tooth profile accuracy, and compatibility with modern CAD workflows. Whether you are designing spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears, worm gears, or splines, Geartrax 2022 remains a gold standard for reducing design time from hours to seconds.
This article provides a deep dive into Geartrax 2022: its key features, system requirements, what’s new, step-by-step usage, and why it continues to dominate the niche of gear generation software.
GearTrax 2022 remains the industry standard for rapid gear creation. It removes the headache from drive design, allowing engineers to focus on the system as a whole rather than the geometry of a single tooth.
Pros:
Cons:
Models generated by GearTrax remain fully parametric. Changing a key input—such as number of teeth, module/diametral pitch, or face width—automatically updates the 3D model. This associativity is crucial for design iterations.
One of the most overlooked improvements in Geartrax 2022 is its optimization for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and resin 3D printing. Traditional gear models often print poorly because the involute curve creates overhangs that require support material.
Geartrax 2022 includes a "Print Optimization" toggle. When enabled, it automatically adds sacrificial support shells and pressure angle compensation (typically +0.2 degrees) to account for resin shrinkage and filament squish. Result? A gear that fits perfectly straight off the print bed without sanding or reaming. Before installing Geartrax 2022 , ensure your system