Model definitions

Test-Container_2.8mm: For testing the bottom slots to see if they work with your litter

Scoop_2.8mm: The actual scoop with 2.8 mm clearance on bottom slots (More varieties might come in the future)

Test-Handle: To test printing parameters before printing the handle

Handle: The actual handle

Both .STEP and .STL formats available.

Description

The main goal of this model is to cover all cleaning subtasks with a single tool; within the shortest time possible, requiring the least effort possible. It might be too much for one cat’s needs, but if you live in a house with 3 or more cats; you definitely need an XXL-sized litter box, and this tool to clean it daily. You no longer need to use different tools for a single cleaning session. Just grab this scoop and you will be done in 5 minutes.

Main features:

• It is both a scraper (that works both ways) and a sieve for fine-grain litter.
• It is lightweight compared to its size, yet very rigid and durable.
• To substantially accelerate the process of sifting large amounts of litter; it has many slots on a large bottom surface area. The slot profiles are optimized to allow the litter particles to pass very easily, while holding back anything else.
• The side walls become narrower as they get close to the handle; to keep everything inside during an aggressive shake, which is a perfectly natural behavior.
• To get rid of the litter particles that are stuck inside the slots; all you need to do is to turn the scoop around and beat your litter box with it. Just be careful not to break the box.

Printing Tips

The model has to be printed with PETG and definitely not PLA.

The design is made with the mechanical properties of PETG in mind, especially the shock absorbance. It is also a hygienic material that can be washed with warm water; which is mandatory for such a use case.

For both the scoop and the handle, it is recommended to use below settings:

• Layer height: 0.15 mm for 0.4 mm nozzle; 0.2 mm for 0.6 mm nozzle (Yes it is a big model, but layer adhesion is important)
• Line width: 0.46 mm for 0.4 mm nozzle, 0.7 mm for 0.6 mm nozzle (Arachne activated)
• Print speed: An optimal value that provides the best layer adhesion, without creating humidity blobs
• Print temperature: An optimal value that ticks the same boxes as the print speed
• Cooling: Around 60% of what you normally use for PLA; preferably no chamber cooling
• Shell walls: 2 for 0.6 mm nozzle; 3 for 0.4 mm nozzle
• Infill: 15-25% for the tip of the scoop and the handle, 7-15% for the rest of the scoop. Grid recommended.
• Top / bottom number of layers: At least 3 for the bottom, 5 for the top
• For top surfaces; make sure that there is more infill right under the top skin, and/or the slicer treats the first layer of top skin as a bridged surface.
• Specific settings for only the handle (Use provided test model first):
  • The handle’s cross sectional area is much smaller, therefore layer time will be significantly shorter and it will need 15-20% more cooling. Also it might be necessary to adjust the speeds and temperatures.
  • 15-20% infill
  • Bed adhesion is critical on this part. Brim is recommended; however proper bed leveling and a clean bed surface are the first two things to ensure.
  • Please first use the test model provided. It is for checking a few things at once. See if it fits with the slider (also if it is too tight or too loose), and if the top surfaces are smooth and flat. If the top surfaces are not printed properly, the actual handle will be knocked down at the last few millimeters.

Important note: “Default” profiles are very likely to fail on this model, and It is a very good idea to modify some settings to meet the recommendations above. If you have any issues, you can write to the comments and get help from the community.

Notes

When you print the test container:

• If your litter’s particles can barely fit in the slots and most of them get stuck, then you can try again by giving a negative “horizontal expansion” value on your slicer. There is a chance that all you need is 0.2 mm more clearance, so you can set the value to -0.1 mm and see if that works. You can try up to -0.2 mm, which would give you 0.4 mm more clearance (Which is a lot).
• You might also see that your litter particles are passing through a little bit too easily; so you can increase the value (therefore decrease the clearance) and find which setting works best.
• If your test model still does not work for you - don’t worry, just send an email to acn3dp@gmail.com. You will be provided with new test models and finally receive the revised scoop model. The final scoop will also be added into the files here, so that more people can download and use it in the future.

A necessary explanation about the handle:

• The handle has to be printed separately, then glued to the actual scoop. This is because of the printable area of most printers, and the overhangs on the handle. However joining these parts is fairly easy, thanks to the slide-in interface. It holds the handle perfectly in place when it is not touched, so you can apply a slow-curing strong adhesive and leave it overnight.

Do you have some ideas to make a better scoop? You can also share these ideas. Just like everything else, the design of this scoop can be upgraded. It can look more pleasant without losing any function, or it can gain even more functions. It can also be optimized to use less material and still maintain the optimal mechanical properties; with the advantage of being more lightweight.

Happy printing!