I’m looking to make some trophies for a non-profit golf tournament. What is the best way to add weight to the base to make them stable? I know I could do 100% infill but A) I’m not sure it would be enough and B) It would add hours to the print. I was thinking off adding a stop to the G-code during the print of the base and poor lead shot into the voids. Anyone tried this of have any suggestions on how to weigh this down?
Here is a link to a thread regarding this. Lots of helpful insights
To add to that earlier post, since I first wrote it in 2024, another user suggested using lead birdshot. I have been using that as ballast ever since.
All you need to do is use a grid infill in the base and add a pause in the print. At the pause, pour the birdshot into the grid cavities until it reaches the top. If you use 3 wall loops or more, you can lightly compress it with your finger without bulging the print.
Do not disturb the print. Just pour the birdshot into the grid cavities. It flows almost like a liquid because the lead pellets slip over one another very easily. Then restart the print. Experiment first with just making a simple base to gauge how much weight you actually need. You might be surprised at how little volume of leads goes a long way.
This is also, per pound, the cheapest solution I have found to date.
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Exactly the stuff I was looking at. I doubt it would take much, half a pound is a lot of offset for plastic. I imagine 1/4 lbs would be enough. The trophies aren’t that big. Thanks for the replies. I’ll thumb through the other thread an see what I can glean from there as well.
Lead is not very environmentally friendly. And it’s not non-toxic.
When I need to weigh down a 3D print, I use some stuff from the model railroad hobby called “Liquid Gravity” (basically, really small gauge metal balls, like tinier versions of Lead shot). I mix some 5 minute epoxy with Isopropyl Alcohol to thin it down so it will pour, and I fill a void with the Liquid Gravity material and then pour in the thinned epoxy until the pocket is full. Cures out solid, doesn’t rattle around, adds strength to the print, and non-toxic.
This stuff: https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/liquid-gravity-weight-system/DLMBD38.html
I used sand for this model, added after the print. I use bed slingers so I wouldn’t add weight during the print. I also don’t like the idea of having to pause the print since that can create a weak layer if you don’t get to it immediately.