Are you looking for a creative project that will also benefit your feline friend? If you own a 3D printer and a cat brimming with energy, then designing and building your own 3d Printed Cat wheel might be the perfect endeavor. This project not only offers a fantastic way to utilize your 3D printing skills but also provides your cat with an engaging and healthy outlet for their natural instincts.
This journey began as a personal challenge, sparked by the purchase of a 3D printer and a desire to master Fusion 360. The goal was simple: create something practical and fun. Replacing a poorly made, commercially available cat wheel seemed like the ideal project. The existing wheel was unstable, spun unevenly, and alarmingly used fiberglass in its rails without any warning – a detail that caused skin irritation. Determined to create a better alternative, the design for this 3D printed cat wheel was born.
After sharing a video of the prototype online, there was significant interest in the design files. Now, the STL files for this 3D printed cat wheel are available for purchase on Cults3D. By purchasing these files, you agree to personal use and not to distribute or sell them, or the printed wheels themselves.
*(Please note: This purchase is for digital 3D printing files only. You will not receive a physical cat wheel.) It’s crucial to review the hardware requirements detailed below before starting this project. While not inexpensive, the satisfaction of creating a robust and visually appealing 3D printed cat wheel for your beloved pet is well worth the effort. Plus, you have the freedom to customize it in any color you desire!
The total cost can vary, but excluding filament, the hardware components for this project were around $100. This can be reduced by sourcing parts carefully. Filament usage depends on your chosen print settings. To ensure stability and durability, a substantial infill was used to achieve a desired weight. For reference, early prints of the rails and tracks weighed approximately 162-163 grams each. The base components, with the chosen infill, totaled around 4,880g. However, lighter versions are possible by adjusting infill percentages. In total, this project utilized about 13 spools of GST3D PLA+, which were priced at $8 per spool at the time of printing.
Individual components of the 3D printed cat wheel being weighed to estimate material usage for the project.
This 3D printed cat wheel was designed and printed using an Ender 3, which offers a build volume of 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches (220x220x250mm). Some components are designed to maximize this build area, so a printer with a similar or larger build volume is recommended. Scaling down the design is not advisable as it would compromise the fit of the skate wheels within the base. The finished 3D printed cat wheel measures an impressive 4 feet wide and 4 feet 4 inches tall, providing ample running space for your cat. Prusaslicer was used for slicing, optimizing the corner pieces to fully utilize the printer’s build plate.
Essential Parts for Your 3D Printed Cat Wheel
Wheel Components:
- Rails: Print 32
- Walkway: Print 16
- Fasteners (Nuts and Bolts): Initially, printed fasteners were used, but they resulted in a slightly noisy wheel. Upgrading to metal hardware significantly reduced noise and improved overall sturdiness. Metal fasteners are highly recommended for optimal performance and longevity. If you opt for printed fasteners to minimize cost, print at least 128 of each (nuts and bolts). Scaling the nuts to 102% in the X and Y dimensions might be necessary for a proper fit. Test print a sample before committing to the full quantity. Print screws horizontally with supports for strength and nuts flat with the dome facing upwards. A custom wrench handle design is available to accommodate potential nut resizing. Sequential printing in Prusaslicer is recommended for individual printing of fasteners.
Base Components:
- Female Corner: Print 2
- Male Corner: Print 2
- Center Side: Print 2
- Center: Print 1
Required Hardware and Components:
The following lists detail the hardware needed, with links to specific products used as examples. You can source equivalent parts from your preferred suppliers.
Option 1: Metal Fasteners for Rails Only (Basic)
| Product | Qty needed | # of packs | Price per pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-Plated Steel Pan Head Phillips Screw 12-24 Thread, 3/4″ Long | 32 | 1 (100/pk) | $8.09 |
| Low-Strength Steel Nylon-Insert Locknut Zinc-Plated, 12-24 Thread Size | 32 | 1 (100/pk) | $7.00 |
| 18-8 Stainless Steel Washer for Number 12 Screw Size, 0.234″ ID, 0.5″ OD | 64 | 1 (100/pk) | $3.40 |
| Total (approximate): $18.49 |
Option 2: Metal Fasteners for Rails and Walkway (Recommended for Durability and Quiet Operation)
| Product | Qty needed | # of packs | Price per pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-Plated Steel Pan Head Phillips Screw 12-24 Thread, 3/4″ Long | 32 | 1 (100/pk) | $8.09 |
| Low-Strength Steel Nylon-Insert Locknut Zinc-Plated, 12-24 Thread Size | 140 | 2 (100/pk) | $7.00 |
| 18-8 Stainless Steel Washer for Number 12 Screw Size, 0.234″ ID, 0.5″ OD | 192 | 2 (100/pk) | $3.40 |
| Extra-Wide Truss Head Phillips Screws Passivated, 12-24 Thread Size, 5/8″ Long | 128 | 3 (50/pk) | $11.82 |
| Total (approximate): $64.35 |
Assembly Instructions
Begin by attaching the walkway pieces to the rails using the plastic screws if you choose to print them. This is easier to do before the rails are fully tightened with metal fasteners. Offset the walkway pieces by two holes relative to the rails. Subsequently, connect all the rails using metal fasteners. Initially, keep the fasteners loose and gradually tighten them once all are in place. A ratchet and Allen wrench will aid in tightening. For added security, a small drop of super glue can be applied to the printed nuts on the walkway, although this step is unnecessary if using metal nuts.
Visual guide illustrating how the walkway and rail components connect during the assembly of the 3D printed cat wheel.
Guidance on Fasteners:
Diagram showing the recommended printing orientation for the plastic screws if you choose to 3D print them for the cat wheel.
Using Metal Screws: When using metal screws, ensure only one washer is placed under the nut for each connection.
Illustration detailing the correct placement of bolts and washers when using metal hardware to assemble the 3D printed cat wheel.
Printing Recommendations for 3D Printed Cat Wheel Parts:
- Rails: Print rails with the large flat surface on the build plate. Supports are needed for the overhang. Sanding might be required to smooth support areas after assembly, depending on support settings.
Visual representation of the rail component, highlighting the optimal printing orientation for 3D printing the cat wheel.
- Walkway: Print walkway pieces standing on their sides. A brim is recommended for enhanced bed adhesion.
Visual representation of the walkway component, highlighting the optimal printing orientation for 3D printing the cat wheel.
- Base: Print base components as they would sit on the floor, except for the “center side” pieces. These can be flipped upside down to avoid using supports during printing.
Visual representation of the base components, highlighting the optimal printing orientation for 3D printing the cat wheel base.
The base is designed for a snug fit without fasteners or glue. Tight tolerances ensure a secure assembly, often requiring a rubber mallet for tapping pieces into place. The base corners are printed with 15% infill, and the narrower pieces with 10% infill for added weight and stability. Four perimeters and six top and bottom layers were used for robust construction.
Rollerblade Wheel Assembly: Install the rollerblade wheel assembly before assembling the base. Ensure the shaft fits through both designated holes. A tight fit is intended, and gently using a screwdriver to slightly widen the holes might be necessary. Assembly sequence: Insert shaft through the first plastic part, add a washer (rough side against the skate wheel), insert skate wheel, push shaft further, add the second washer (rough side against skate wheel), and fully push the shaft through. Secure with the screw. The fit will be tight, and gently flexing the plastic parts apart with a screwdriver might be needed. A bed scraper can assist in tapping washers into position. Any squeaking from the rollerblade wheels after assembly is often resolved by ensuring the base is fully and evenly assembled.
Exploded view diagram illustrating the assembly of the rollerblade wheel mechanism for the 3D printed cat wheel base.
The female corner base pieces require supports on the build plate. Center side pieces can be printed in their upright orientation with supports, or flipped upside down to avoid supports, resulting in a slightly different surface finish if using a glass bed. This difference is not visible after assembly.
Labeled diagram identifying the different components of the 3D printed cat wheel base for clarity during assembly.
Community Builds: See Your 3D Printed Cat Wheels!
It’s incredibly rewarding to see completed 3D printed cat wheels! Here are some examples from fellow makers:
Robert Ryan Compean’s successful build of the 3D printed cat wheel, showcasing a finished project from the community.
@Barkycatbros on Instagram and Tiktok:
Example of a 3D printed cat wheel built by @Barkycatbros, shared on Instagram and TikTok, demonstrating community engagement.
@Curationsbykira on Instagram and Tiktok:
Example of a 3D printed cat wheel built by @Curationsbykira, shared on Instagram and TikTok, showcasing community participation.
@ti_cats on Instagram:
Example of a 3D printed cat wheel built by @ti_cats, shared on Instagram, highlighting user creations from the community.
Slayson via Cults3D/@slayson77 on Instagram:
Example of a 3D printed cat wheel built by Slayson, shared via Cults3D and @slayson77 on Instagram, demonstrating user builds.
71Pole via Cults3D:
Example of a 3D printed cat wheel built by 71Pole, shared via Cults3D, showcasing community builds and project success.
Rainbow 3D Printed Cat Wheel:
A vibrant rainbow-colored 3D printed cat wheel, illustrating the customization possibilities of the DIY project.
Building your own 3D printed cat wheel is a rewarding project that combines your passion for 3D printing with your love for your cat. Download the STL files today and embark on creating a fun, functional, and customized exercise wheel for your feline companion!
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