June 14, 2025
Description
Lets start by acknowledging that you could buy a stand cheaper than what I have printed, but where is the challenge in that! check your filament stocks before printing.
This Dumbbell stand is an upgrade from my first go (Dumbbell Weight Stand - Flat print), and an effort to save space and accommodate some new weights.
It is designed in sections that stack, and the height limits is up to you. The Parts intersecting but not interlocking, meaning that it can be pulled apart again if needed. It could also easily be glued for a permanent join of course.
This was printed in Prusament PETG (Jet black). I opted to change the nozzle to a 0.8mm (0.55mm layers) to dramatically reduce the print time. I think it still looks good, and perhaps better for it. One of the uploaded photos is of an arm piece being printed. I also increased the perimeters for strength and decreased the infill to 10% which has little affect on the performance. Slicing statistics added as an image, total print time for one set of all parts is 1d 9 hrs 22 min.
Testing:
I had the first section on my patio in the New South Wales summer sun for several weeks holding the 10kg weights. It held up perfectly with basically no sign of heat deformation. You one arm has shown some deformation likely due to environmental heat since then, but it has in no way affected its ability to function. None of the others are showing any deflection. Also I note the deformation is not affected by the weight on it.
The 10kg file is the main part and includes the arms that support the dumbbells. Repeat this print as required. The arms are on a sperate plate in the same 3mf file and are designed with the inside face being flat for easier printing. One pair for each weight is required, i.e. two pair per level. Total of 5 parts for level.
The Base file is simply a closing plate for the column. This is designed to the limits of the Prusa Mk3. A wider plate could be preferred for greater stability.
The Cap is also a two part file. The last column piece needs a top piece to stop plastic creep over time. this piece locks the last column piece and arms in place and finished the look. It is designed as a container and I considered a second type that was open so that long objects could be stored in the column, the easiest solution to this is to trim the bucket in the slicer, and then you have a top collar and staff storage. The second part in the file is just loose fitting cap to cover the bucket (or hole).
Note on stability:
Be cautious the stability is perfectly fine but because it has little intrinsic weight if the weights get out of balance is quickly gets less stable. I considered that because the column is hollow it could potentially be filled with a stabilising weight (sand etc), but in reality the only way to correctly stabilise it is a bigger base. I considered designing a printed one but didn't like anything I came up with. I think if I get concerned, I'll simply attach it to a timber plate under the base.
The all the parts are intersecting but not interlocking, meaning that it can be pulled apart again if needed. It could also easily be glued for a permanent join of course.
Development:
I was considering making section of different heights to be more efficient with different weights, but ultimately felt that I didn't need it. Possible future thoughts.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike
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