Cat Exercise Wheel

Only a few small test pieces have been printed to test the fits; otherwise this is still non-printed and under development.

Files, instructions, and other stuff might change!

UPDATE: Added “Side Race 2.stl”

I saw a Facebook post showing a 3D printed exercise wheel. It looked challenging, so I decided to attempt designing my own. I have two indoor cats that desperately need some more exercise.

As I've designed this, I realized the cost of materials is approaching the cost of purchasing a lower cost wheel. This may end up being nothing but a design exercise for me, more than an exercise wheel for the cats.

Specs

• Wheel diameter 48 inches
• Total height 49 inches
• Running surface diameter 46 inches
• Width 10 inches

This is a large print

Note: I've oriented the stl's as I designed them for printing. They should print without supports. In Cura, I enabled "Bridge Settings" and left the settings at default.

Print Quantities

• Wheel Section.stl - Quantity 12
• Side Race.stl - Quantity 12
• Side Race 2.stl - Quantity 12
• Stand.stl - Quantity 2
   

Cura's estimated print time, using a .4 mm nozzle at .3 mm resolution, is more than 9 days of continuous printing. Therefore, a larger nozzle is required. A .8 mm nozzle at .6 mm resolution lowers the print time to 2 days.

I have not tested a print with the .8 mm nozzle but the previews in Cura seem to look okay.

As I said, this is a large print and requires a large bed. My Hypercube build volume is 300x300x270. This model just fits.

Parts to complete build:

• Side Race Screws: Quantity 24 - M3x8 Flat head
• Stand Screws: Quantity 4 - M6x10 Flat Head
• Skate Axles: Quantity 4 Axles - MUXSAM 10Pcs 0.24"/6mm OD Inline Skate Axle Screws
• Skate Wheels: Quantity 4 Wheels - NEWCOMDIGI 8 Pack Inline Skate Wheels
• 3/4 inch x 36 inch Square Aluminum Tube
•  EVA Dense Foam Pad (something for kitty to run on and not get their claws caught)

Continuing Development:

• The current design requires drilling and tapping the ¾ inch aluminum tube. Without the necessary tools the current design is not buildable.