// Automotive  ·  02

Ball Joint Delete Kit

Arctic Cat Wildcat XX — Spherical Bearing Upgrade

Year 2026
Category Automotive
Vehicle Arctic Cat Wildcat XX
Software SolidWorks
Process 3D Scan → CAD → 3D Print → Manufacturing Package
Status Complete
// Overview

The stock spherical bearings on the Arctic Cat Wildcat XX lower control arms are prone to cyclic fatigue stress failure under aggressive off-road use. This project involved 3D scanning the original control arm to capture precise bearing seat geometry, then designing a drop-in delete kit to replace the stock bearings with significantly larger, more durable spherical bearings.

A prototype was 3D printed and test fitted to validate fitment and geometry before a full manufacturing package was created for mass production.

Key Specs
Vehicle Arctic Cat Wildcat XX
Component Lower Control Arm Bearing Delete Kit
Method 3D Scan → SolidWorks → 3D Print → Manufacturing
Prototype FDM 3D Printed
Bearing Sizes [PLACEHOLDER — add bearing sizes once confirmed]
Material [PLACEHOLDER — add material specs once confirmed]
// 3D Asset

Interactive Model

Loading Model...
Delete Kit — SolidWorks Assembly
// Build Log

Build Log

Phase 01

3D Scanning

Captured precise bearing seat geometry and interface dimensions of the Arctic Cat Wildcat XX lower control arm using structured light 3D scanning.

Scanned OEM lower control arm assembly
Captured bearing seat diameter and depth
Documented interface geometry and bolt patterns
Exported scan data for CAD reference
Phase 02

Geometry Analysis

Analyzed scan data to fully characterize the stock bearing envelope and identify the maximum allowable replacement bearing size within the existing packaging constraints.

Measured stock spherical bearing OD and ID
Identified failure mode: cyclic fatigue at bearing seat
Determined available envelope for larger replacement
Established design constraints and tolerances
Phase 03

SolidWorks Design

Designed the delete kit as a drop-in replacement retaining all OEM mounting points while accommodating significantly larger, more durable spherical bearings.

Modeled delete kit housing in SolidWorks
Sized up replacement spherical bearing
Validated clearances and range of motion
Created full assembly with OEM interface
Phase 04

Prototype & Test Fit

FDM printed the prototype and test fitted on the vehicle to validate geometry, fitment, and bearing seat alignment before finalizing for production.

FDM printed prototype in PLA
Test fitted on Wildcat XX lower control arm
Verified bolt pattern and bearing seat alignment
Confirmed full range of motion clearance
Iterated geometry based on fitment findings
Est. Apr 2026
Phase 05

Material Selection

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Est. Apr 2026
Phase 06

Tooling Design

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Est. Jun 2026
Phase 07

Vendor Sourcing

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Est. Aug 2026
Phase 08

Production Run

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Est. Nov 2026
Phase 09

Take to Market

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// Gallery

Build Gallery

3D Printing — Part 1

3D Printing — Part 2

3D Scanning Process

// Skills

Skills Demonstrated

Engineering

Cyclic Fatigue Analysis Bearing Geometry Documentation Tolerance Analysis Reverse Engineering

CAD & Design

SolidWorks Assembly 3D Scanning Design for Manufacturing Engineering Drawings

Fabrication & Production

FDM 3D Printing Prototype Iteration Manufacturing Package Creation Test Fitting & Validation