FuzNuz 3D printable Horse Hoof Boot (Design)

thingiverse

Update 4/27/20: Switch the front assembly to utilize a double knot system instead of the cleat. Simply insert the loose ends of the strap into the two front holes and tie slip knots above to maintain tension that suits your preference, yet still allows for easy removal in an emergency. Additional thread holes were added to the compression ring to enable stitching a cushion directly onto it. Update 12/8/19: The initial 3D print of this revised design was completed today. Clearly, there is a need to update and rearrange the paracord clamps on the front of the boot as they were originally designed too small for practical use. This was largely due to my lack of familiarity with designing with paracord. The 3D print will undergo rigorous testing over the next several weeks to assess its fit, finish, shock resistance, and abrasion load tolerance. Moreover, additional holes will be added to the part for attaching the "sock" component that connects the compression ring to the boot itself. Progress continues on the 3D printable Hoof Boot. A significant amount of 3D scanning was utilized here to accurately map the shape and determine the correct dimensions. Once I conduct some test trials, I should be able to provide instructions on how to edit this file for your individual horse's hoof, but first, I need to clean up a few things in the model to allow it to utilize variable parameters for automatic updates. This design employs paracord to connect the hoof boot to the area just above the hoof to maintain attachment. The cord is looped through a compression ring that prevents the pressure from becoming too tight and cutting off circulation. Once the ring is squeezed tight, the pressure is pulled downwards to support the self-weight of the boot as the hoof is lifted. This boot is intended to be filled with a silicone rubber compound to create an insole mold of your horse's hoof underside. This keeps out dust, dirt, and manure while providing a comfortable cushion for your horse's hooves as they walk. The underside features a new all-the-way-across bridge system for enhanced structural integrity compared to the initial design. Small holes at the boot's bottom are designed for silicone seepage to form small bulbs that keep the silicone seated firmly inside once it hardens. The boots should be printed slightly larger than the hoof, allowing the silicone to overflow and reach up the front of the hoof wall. This creates a cushion between the plastic and the outside layer of the hoof, helping to secure it in place once put on. I will conduct rigorous testing over the next few months, so if anyone is interested in getting a set made and using them for their horses, please let me know in the comments so I can assist you. These boots are intended to be both extremely high-quality and affordable. If you own your own printer, my calculations indicate they use approximately 540 grams of material. Average 3D printing plastic costs range from $20-$30 per kilogram, making the total cost (including other materials) around $30 a boot if made with your own printer. One of the primary reasons people turn away from removable hoof boots is their high cost and difficulty in finding a well-fitting pair. With photogrammetry and 3D printing, you can achieve custom fit at a drastically reduced price, making it much easier to invest in your horse.