Meowton cat scale
The cat scale will measure the cat with great precision.
Do not use the scale for weights that are too far above 5kg. If you step on the scale it will probably break all your loadcells instantly!
You need a 30cm x 30cm plate for the cat to sit on. It can be any material you like, as long as its flat and stiff enough.
You can make it bigger as well, the position of the loadcells is flexible.
I use 'Complate'. Almost the same as 'Trespa'. Its extremely durable material, but expensive and hard to saw. I bought one huge plate and had them saw it in 6 plates for me. (since i need more than one scale for testing)
You can also use floor tiles, but it helps if the plate isn't too cold so the cat likes to sit on the plate. :)
You need a wooden plate to screw all the 3d printed parts onto. The plate is also needed for weight so it doesnt slip around when the cat jumps off.
I dont know the size, but make sure you leave room for the feeder as well.
You can find them here:
Its important that the long bars are printed in the correct Z-axis orientation. This ensures optimal strength for holding the loadcells in place. Tested with a 6Kg cat for a few months now ;)
Feel free to improve the design and share it: https://a360.co/2X3BrGU
The main part are 4 x 5Kg loadcells.
Its imporant you have exactly the correct type, since the plastic parts are made to exactly fit.
I ordered these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1kg-5kg-10kg-small-range-weighing-pressure-sensor-load-cell-set-weight-sensor-set-sensor-HX711AD/32765498523.html
I dont know if there is some kind of size standard for these things, but at least they specify the dimensions.
I've made the Fusion 360 design parametric, so you should be able to adjust it quite easy.
The HX711 converters are included in the link above.
Look at the Meowton-setup page where to get this.
I designed this scale with in a way it requires no glue and only screws and wooden base plate.
Assembly should be quite easy:
NOTE: The bars can be in any orientation you like, as long as the contact points with the are roughly somewhere in the corner.
Handle the white part of the loadcells gently!
Push the loadcell into the bar and scale-joint as shown below. Make sure you slide the cable through the hole first:
**Important: The arrow on the loadcell should point down and be in the part that contacts the scale. **
Repeat above steps for all four loadcells.
Push on the plate holders. (They require some extra force to push on fully)
Then you will end up with this:
It's very important to adjust the plate-holders so the plate is loose on all sides. Slide them out a bit to accomplish this.
If the plate pushes against the plate-holders, it will make the measurement less accurate.
Off course my own plate is 0.5cm too big, so it doesn't fit as nicely as you can see. ;)