This free small-scale model is one of the collection Prêt à Faire: Printable Readymade Models.
If you'd like an incredible full-scale working version, visit my store at
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Interviewer, George Hamilton: Do you think anybody else could make one?
Marcel Duchamp: Yes, everybody can! Every century there is a new definition of art. So if we accept trying not to define art then the readymade comes in as a sort of irony, because here it is, a thing that I call art.
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This is a model based on Bicycle Wheel by Marcel Duchamp. The original from 1913 is lost; although my earlier versions of this model synthesized traits found in various replicas from 1916, 1951, 1960, and 1964, my most recent published version is an appropriation based on the 1964 Galerie Schwarz edition.
Why a printable version? In making this model, I'm fulfilling Duchamp's assertion that “Yes, everybody can” make one. 3D printing creates a conceptual condition in which the art object becomes even more accessible. We can even say it fulfills the idea of the original object when we are able to spin this working wheel — just try to get away with THAT in a museum!
A description of the work from the MoMA website:
“In 1913,” recalled Marcel Duchamp, “I had the happy idea to fasten a bicycle wheel to a kitchen stool and watch it turn.”1 The result, Bicycle Wheel, is the first of Duchamp’s Readymades—objects (sometimes manufactured or mass-produced) selected by the artist and designated as art. Most of Duchamp’s Readymades were individual objects that he repositioned or signed and called art, but Bicycle Wheel is what he called an “assisted Readymade,” made by combining more than one utilitarian item to form a work of art.
The work in MoMA’s collection is the third version of Bicycle Wheel. The first, now lost, was made nearly 40 years earlier, in 1913. Because the materials Duchamp selected to be Readymades were mass-produced, he did not consider any Readymade to be an original.
Find out more about this work at:
Sample images of replicas:
 Philadelphia |  MoMA |  Duchamp's NYC studio |
I'm not the only artist who has toyed with this iconic work. Artist Elaine Sturtevant created a replica identical in size, material, and technique to the wheel, while Richard Pettibone created multiples, and Ji Lee reverts it to its original context.
 Elaine Sturtevant, Duchamp Bicycle Wheel, 1969-73 |  Richard Pettibone's studio, 1965 |  Ji Lee, Duchamp Reloaded, 2009 |
There have been several versions of this model published since the original version in May of 2025. The first model approached the idea of printing spokes with extreme caution, while later iterations took more risks. After completing the complex full-scale version for sale at my store, I found I could scale and simplify the details found there into a model that could print at about 50% scale. While the full-scale version is offered for sale, this one is (and will remain) free. I decided to keep three versions here for history and support, and you'll find things broken down as follows:
V3: Most current iteration, based on the full-scale version, in 4 folders: the stool, the fork, the spoke/axles, and the rim. This is printable at 50% scale and comes pre-formatted as a 3MF plating file, though the original STEP and STL files are available at full size.
V2: A much simpler version, printable at 25% on a Prusa MK4 and up to 50% on a Prusa XL. If you are doing a multi-material print, be aware that the model contains a weakness at the fork/stool connection—increase perimeters to compensate. All pieces are found in one folder.
V1: For smaller scales and simpler assembly, this version features a permanent support fin, thinner than the spoke but still thick enough to create 2 perimeters at 25% scale. If using a multi-material setup, one can print the supports using a clear filament, while printing everything else in an opaque material. All pieces are found in one folder.
V3 of the model differs from the 1964 edition ONLY where necessary to optimize for FDM printing, assembly, and durability:
It is designed to be printed at full scale.
Changing scale is not recommended, as it will compromise tolerances, bearing fits, and structural behavior.
Many parts require a large-format printer such as a Prusa XL.
An incredible full-scale version is available for purchase at this link.
Use the supplied 3MF files with preconfigured orientations and settings.
These settings were validated on a well-tuned Prusa XL using dehydrated filament.
STL and STEP files are provided for users who wish to experiment.
If creating your own build plates, print extras for the smaller pieces.
File Formats
[Model_Name].3mf / .stl → Best for quick printing. Pre-meshed at a high resolution, these files will slice exactly as they appear in the smooth website preview.
[Model_Name].step → Best for remixing and maximum quality. These files contain precise CAD data. Note: Ignore the blocky look in the online browser viewer; it will download and slice with perfectly smooth mathematical curves inside your slicer.
Part Naming Convention
Leading number: Part ID
Name of part with orientation (left or right, front or rear, top or base)
Trailing number: Quantity to print (if no trailing number, print one)
Designed Tolerances
Friction fit: ~0.1 mm
Tight glue joints: ~0.2 mm
Moving parts: ~0.4 mm
Actual results depend on your printer calibration. Prototype fit-sensitive parts before committing to final prints. The best fine-tuning solution is to tweak the Extrusion Multiplier (a.k.a. flow rate) setting under the Filaments tab. Having said that, for those who have difficulty achieving the right tolerances in the very sensitive axle area, I've included an extra 3MF file with axles and nuts at various non-uniform scalings—print from this file and just use the pieces that end up working for you.
Observed Issues in Our Prototyping
No significant shrinkage was observed, but occasionally, tweaking Extrusion Multiplier values was necessary to achieve a proper fit
No curling on large parts, such as the seat
~8% failure rate on spokes due to curling; mitigated by adding a helper disk to each end
Brims are NOT recommended on spokes—note the use of helper disks in the 3MF.
When prototyping for fit, use the filament you intend to use for the final product. We found significant differences among the filaments we tested.
For filament, consider the following:
Prusament Galaxy Silver PLA or Polymaker Panchroma Metallic Silver PLA for all metal parts
Prusament Galaxy Black PLA or Polymaker PolyLite PLA Silk Black for the fork and rim
Prusament Vanilla White PLA or Polymaker PolyLite PLA Cream for the stool
Additional material recommendations:
Use an 8 x 22 x 7 bearing for a 50% scaled version
Use a 4 x 11 x 4 bearing for a 25% scaled version
Adhesives: PLA solvent (e.g., Gloop, Weld-On 16) and/or fresh, slow-dry gel CA
Stats for a 50% scale print of V3:
Total material used: ~50 grams black, ~180 grams white, ~180 grams silver
Total time: ~21 hours
Total number of build plates: 8
NOTE: Stool legs were printed with higher infill to lower the center of gravity. Reducing infill decreases print time but increases tipping risk.
This is a description of all parts found in V3—older versions don't follow this convention, but the number of parts and their relationships don't require it.
ID# | Name | Quan | Plate in 3MF |
|---|---|---|---|
1A | Stool top | 1 | 1 |
1B | Stool | 1 | 1 |
1C | Stool registration | 2 | 1 |
ID# | Name | Quan | Plate in 3MF |
|---|---|---|---|
2A | Fork crown | 1 | 2 |
2B | Fork base registration | 1 | 2 |
2C | Fork base collar | 1 | 2 |
2D | Fork top nut/washer | 1 | 4 |
2E | Fork mounting plate | 1 | 2 |
2F | Fork base nut/washer | 1 | 4 |
ID# | Name | Quan | Plate in 3MF |
|---|---|---|---|
3A | Axle | 1 | 4 * |
3B | Axle bearing cover | 2 | 4 |
3C | Axle bearing cover registration | 2 | 4 |
3D | Axle spoke front outer hub | 1 | 8 |
3E | Axle spoke front inner hub | 1 | 5 |
3F | Axle hub registration | 2 | 1 |
3G | Axle spoke back outer hub | 1 | 6 |
3H | Axle spoke back inner hub | 1 | 7 |
3J | Axle washer | 2 | 4 * |
3K | Axle nut | 2 | 4 * |
* Also available in a variety of alternate non-uniform scalings in a special 3MF file for anyone experiencing tolerance issues.
ID# | Name | Quan | Plate in 3MF |
|---|---|---|---|
4A | Rim | 2 | 2, 3 |
4B | Rim registration | 6 | 2 |
Spoke and rim gluing jig | 1 | 4 |
Earlier versions of the file will follow general guidelines, but because they are simpler, they don't require step-by-step instructions. V3 is a more complex build, so use the guide below.
The model works without bearings, but if you wish to upgrade performance with bearings:
Apply a small amount of light lubricant (Tri-Flow or similar)
Wipe excess before assembly
Adhesives
Use PLA solvent (e.g., Gloop) or fresh gel CA
Clamp or compress until fully cured
Avoid adhesives on bearings and moving interfaces
Tools
Clamps, removable tape
Small brushes, trays for gluing
Needle or paper clip (for gluing small spaces)
#11 craft knife
Needle-nose pliers, tweezers
Color markers or tape for labeling spokes
Safety
Standard PPE: Nitrile gloves, eye protection
Ventilation when using solvents
Remember, you are assuming all risk when using these materials and files, so stay safe!
Parts:
Stool top (1A)
Stool (1B)
Stool registration (1C)
Procedure:
Parts may require sanding or filing before assembly.
Glue the stool registration (1C) to the stool (1B).
Glue the stool top (1A) to the above assembly.
Result:
Completed stool.
Parts:
All fork parts (2A-F)
Procedure:
Glue fork base registration (2B) into the crown (2A).
Slide on and glue the top nut-washer (2D) onto the crown.
Insert the crown into the stool seat; do not glue! Allow to spin freely.
Glue the base nut-washer (2D) onto the base collar (2C).
Slip the fork mounting plate (2E) onto the base collar, but do not glue.
Glue this sub-assembly onto the crown from below, ensuring a snug fit to allow rotation without bending.
Result:
Completed fork/stool assembly.
Parts:
Axle parts 3A, 3B, 3C.
Bearings
Procedure:
Glue bearing cover registrations (3C) into one bearing cover (3B).
Glue the second cover over the cover registrations.
If using bearings, slip one bearing onto the axle (3A), between registration lines on the axle.
Install bearing cover assembly and test for fit. If you need to adjust, reprint using Extrusion Multiplier (flow rate) values: higher for a tighter fit, lower for a looser fit. You may also try the non-uniformly scaled alternates provided in the special 3MF file. Glue the bearing casing into the cover only if required.
Result:
Completed axle assembly, spinning freely.
Parts:
Outer hubs (3D, 3G)
Inner hubs (3E, 3H)
Hub registrations (3F)
Procedure:
Observe the spokes on each hub and locate the small notch where the spokes intersect with the hub. Using a slight amount of pressure, bend each spoke at this notch so that it angles inward. Each set of spokes angles about 7-8 degrees inward, so avoid over-bending and breaking.
Place a hub registration piece (3F) in each hub—they may need sanding or filing to fit.
Glue 3D and 3E together, and do the same for 3G and 3H.
For extra realism, lace the spokes to suggest a 3-cross lacing pattern.
Result:
Completed axle assembly and hub assemblies.
Parts:
Rims (4A)
Rim registration pieces (4B)
Rim gluing jig
Procedure:
Lay 1 rim (4A) into the gluing jig.
Glue registration pieces (4B) into this rim.
Take one hub assembly and place it in the jig, aligning spokes to rim holes.
Glue each spoke into its rim hole. Avoid over-gluing.
Slip the axle assembly into this sub-assembly, snugly settling the end of the axle in the jig.
Glue the axle assembly onto the hub assembly, avoiding the bearing if used.
Repeat this for the second hub assembly.
Glue the second rim to this sub-assembly. Gently but firmly clamp this together for a tight fit.
Result:
Completed wheel assembly.
Parts:
Fork/stool assembly
Wheel assembly
Washers (3J) and nuts (3K)
Procedure:
Place the washers (3J) on each axle end.
Insert the axle into the fork, aligning the flat surfaces. Bend the fork tines out to slip the axle ends in, taking care not to over-bend.
Ensure minimal washer play, using paper as a removable shim.
Press axle nuts (3K) into place, lightly gluing if needed.
Result:
Completed final assembly.
Place the finished model on a table or pedestal at a comfortable height, allowing spectators to spin the wheel.
28 JUN | Re-ordered parts listings for a better previewing experience. While the STEP files are mathematically precise, the browser renders them janky, so STL files are seen first.
22 JUNE 2026: Major revisions! Completely remodeled for higher fidelity with original artwork, reflecting new information based on the experience of modeling the full-scale version for sale in my store.
9 MAY 2026: Added a link to the full-scale model available in the store.
2 DEC 2025: Added artist precedents to the description.
22 NOV 2025: Re-wrote the description for clarity and consistent formatting across the Prêt à Faire collection. Added a video of the 50% scale version in motion.
17 NOV 2025: I added STEP files for all parts. There is also a new axle alternative with a slot to ease fitting.
9 NOV 2025: I added a 3MF file with multi-material print (and other settings) on the Prusa XL to create a 50% scale model. I wasn't delighted with the one-piece stool print at this scale, so I created an alternate stool that requires more assembly but yields a superior result. It breaks the stool seat into two halves, with some registration pegs for gluing. When printing this version, use 0 bottom infill layers and create extra top layers using the Archimedian Chord infill style for best results. This generates a nearly seamless joint.
31 AUG 2025: There are now TWO versions of this model:
Version 1 contains a wheel that integrates the rim with a set of print-in-place spokes. These spokes have a permanent support, but the model is easy to assemble.
Version 2 contains a wheel with a rim, spokes, and hub that can be assembled. The result is far superior to Version 1 in appearance, but it takes more time and patience to assemble.
There is photographic and animated documentation of prints at 25% scale for each version, to help you decide which version to use.
Adjustments have been made for tolerances, but filing/sanding may be necessary to achieve smooth wheel turning.
A note on the fork: I printed it both horizontally and vertically, and I found the vertical print to be (counterintuitively) better — use an organic support with a generous spread on the first layer.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.
