Cats love spring toys, but many printable versions online require heavy supports, waste material, or simply do not print very cleanly.

This design was created from the ground up to be a fast, support-free print with smooth spring action and very low material use. The helical ribbon geometry was refined through multiple print iterations to improve printability and reduce common problems like excessive support requirements and poor overall print efficiency.

The latest version includes geometry updates to improve print behavior, including a slightly inward-leaning axis and a flatter lower section for better stability during printing. The result is a spring that prints cleanly for what it is, uses very little filament, and gives cats the unpredictable bounce and tumble they seem to enjoy.

This model is part of the Engineered Modern – NODE collection: small engineered objects designed with simple manufacturing, efficient material use, and purposeful geometry in mind.

Features

• No supports required

• Fast print

• Minimal filament usage

• Simple one-piece model

• Designed through real print iteration

• Great for batch printing

• Works well as a lightweight cat toy

Print Notes

This model was specifically designed to print without supports.

A brim is recommended for best adhesion and stability, especially on taller versions.

Some very minor artifacting at the extreme tip can still occur depending on material, slicer settings, and printer tuning, but overall the model prints well and performs exactly as intended for a quick, lightweight cat toy.

For PETG, a quick cleanup with light heat can remove any fine hairs if needed.

Recommended Print Settings

These are good starting points and can be adjusted to suit your printer and material.

Material
PLA or PETG

Layer Height
0.20–0.24 mm

Walls
2 perimeters

Infill
0%

Supports
None

Bed Adhesion
Outer brim recommended

Material Notes

PLA

• cleaner printing

• stiffer spring feel

PETG

• more durable

• slightly more flexible

• may require minor cleanup from fine stringing

Design Notes

This model was refined through multiple real-world print tests to improve:

• support-free printability

• spring stability during printing

• efficient filament use

• overall play behavior

The final version includes small geometry changes that improved print performance while preserving the simple spiral spring form.

Dimensions

Overall size:
Height: 3.5 in
Base diameter: 1.24 in

Safety Note

As with any pet toy, supervise use and discard if damaged.

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