Model of Marcel Duchamp's Bottle Rack

This model is one of the collection Prêt à Faire: Printable Readymade Models

ABOUT THE ORIGINAL

Unlike the Bicycle Wheel that preceded it, the Bottle Rack by Marcel Duchamp was quite simply selected and signed by the artist in 1914. Thus, it represents a purer manifestation of the Readymade concept.

Like most of the other Readymades, it was lost, but many replicas exist, including an edition created in the 1960s. The one this is modeled after is found at the Philadelphia Art Museum, home to many works by Duchamp.

Find out more about this work at:

• Bottle Rack Wikipedia article
• Philadelphia Art Museum
• Kristina Seekamp at Tout Fait

Sample images of selected replicas:

The model differs from the Philadelphia replica wherever necessary to optimize it for multi-material FDM 3D printing. It is created at the full size of the original and must be scaled to print as noted below.

This work aligns with other artists who have appropriated or interpreted this work. André Raffray created a shadow in graphite, while Ola Korbańska's deconstruction reconfigures its elements, and Jeff Koons repurposed it as a pedestal for a gazing ball.

PRINTING NOTES

There are two versions of the model for printing:

• Pre-assembled in a single model. This can be printed at up to 60% of the original size on a Prusa XL using organic support, as seen in the images.
• Elements to assemble. There is much less need for support for this version. Another advantage is a larger range of possible scaling. On an XL, we can print from  75% down to 50%. On an MK4, we can print from 50% to about 30%. I do not recommend printing smaller than that. Parts include columns, rings, long bolts (used at the ring overlap joint), short bolts (used elsewhere), and bolt end caps.

Print assembly parts in the following quantities:

• Columns: 6
• Rings 1, 2, 3, and 5: 1 of each
• Ring 4 and 6: total of 2, one for Ring 4 and one for Ring 6
• Long bolts: 6
• Short bolts: 18
• Bolt end caps: 24

Recommended material:

• I used Prusament Galaxy Silver for my illustrated prototype to emulate the galvanized metal of the original

My settings:

• Print Settings: 0.15mm Structural
• Filament: Prusament PLA
• Printer: Prusa XL (for a 75% scale model)
• Supports: Everywhere
• Infill: 15%
• Brim: None
• Advanced settings:
  • Layers and perimeters: all defaults
  • Infill: Gyroid fill pattern, Concentric top and bottom fill pattern
  • Support material: Organic style

Stats for a 75% size print:

• Total material used: ~350 grams
• Total time: ~32 hours, 40 minutes
• Total number of build plates: 5

ASSEMBLY NOTES

• I used slow-dry gel super glue to assemble. Use the images as a guide.
• Make note of the long versus short bolts when assembling; the long bolts go at the overlap.
• Starting with Ring 1, set the 4 columns to stand vertically, and clamp for the glue to set. Take care to place this ring in the right direction: the direction of the overlap should match what you see in the images.
• Work up Ring 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the same manner. The overlaps should align along the same column.

PRESENTATION NOTES

Place the finished model on a table or pedestal at a comfortable height for viewing.

CHANGE LOG

2 DEC: Included artist precedents.

22 NOV: Re-wrote the description for clarity and consistent formatting across the Prêt à Faire collection.

20 NOV: I added STEP files for those who wish to work with them.

9 NOV: A fully finished and assembled print in Prusament Galaxy Silver now illustrates the work in the images. I included the 3MF file I used to print this on the Prusa XL.

1 NOV: Long bolts, short bolts, and bolt caps have been revised for a better fit.

8 OCT: I've printed a unique instance of one ring, a pair of columns, a pair of caps, and a unique instance of each bolt, to test for fit.