Update: Model updated for a cleaner exterior surface. No functional changes.

These oversized, functional bookends are designed to solve one of the biggest problems with 3D-printed bookends: they’re usually too light to actually work.

This original design uses internal weight chambers that allow you to pause the print, add weight (BBs or similar), and then resume printing to permanently seal the weight inside the part. The result is a rock-solid, genuinely functional bookend set that can hold real books without sliding around.

Design Concept One bookend labeled “To Be Read” The matching bookend labeled “Books I Have Already Read” Large footprint and mass are intentional — these are meant to work, not just look nice

Weighting System Internal chambers are built into the base During printing, pause at the specified layer (1 layer before the chambers are sealed) Fill chambers with BBs (or other dense material) Resume printing to seal the weight inside A representative photo is included showing the weight chambers filled during a paused print.

Print Settings (Recommended) Layer height: 0.20 mm Infill: ~15% grid (higher infill not required due to added weight) Walls: Standard (3–4 recommended) Supports: None Material: PLA At default size, the pause layer occurs at approximately layer 624. (Exact layer will change if you scale the model.)

Weight Used (Default Size) ~1 full bottle of standard .177 caliber copper-coated BBs (representative picture of what was used is included) Weight amount will vary if the model is scaled up or down

Scaling Model scales very well in all directions, adjust pause layer accordingly Scaling up increases both size and weight capacity Scaling down still works, but reduce BB quantity accordingly

Optional Enhancements Add silicone or rubber feet to the bottom to prevent sliding Self-adhesive rolled silicone sheet also works well

Notes Large size is intentional and part of the design Clean, manifold meshes No post-processing required beyond optional enhancements