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

“Books I’ve Already Read / To Be Read” – Weighted Bookends

0.2mm layer, 3 walls, 15% infill

0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 15% infill