How to Make 3D Prints Heavy Without Increasing Shipping Costs

3D-printed parts are often praised for being lightweight, but sometimes you need a bit more heft to create a premium feel. Whether you're designing functional parts, high-end products, or just want your 3D prints to feel more substantial, adding weight can be a challenge—especially without skyrocketing shipping costs.

In this guide, we’ll explore four effective ways to make your 3D-printed parts heavier while maintaining cost efficiency. (Download our FREE pre-made STL Negatives below)

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1. Making a 3D Print Solid (Not Recommended)

The simplest way to make a 3D print heavy is to increase infill or print it solid, but this method has several drawbacks:

• Increased material cost – Fully solid prints consume significantly more filament.

• Longer print times – Solid prints can take 2–3x longer to complete.

• Higher shipping costs – The heavier the object, the more expensive it is to ship.

While this method maximizes density, it’s inefficient and costly. Instead, consider alternative ways to add weight without increasing print time and costs.

2. Adding a Heavy Filler Mid-Print

A common workaround is to print a part with low infill and then pause the print mid-way to insert a dense material like:

• Sand

• Lead shot

• Metal bearings

This approach allows you to use a lightweight plastic shell while filling the inside with a denser material. However, there are some risks:

• Print defects – Pausing mid-print can cause warping or layer misalignment.

• Contamination – Pouring sand or other materials inside an open print can lead to printer damage.

• Rattling – Loose filler materials can create a "maraca effect," making the print sound cheap and unrefined.

While this method is effective, the extra steps and risks often make it more hassle than it's worth.

3. Designing a Custom 3D Printed Insert

A smarter approach is to integrate a cavity into your 3D model that allows for post-processing weight addition. This method involves:

• Designing a hollow compartment inside your part.

• Printing a removable plug or screw-in cap for easy filling.

• Packing the cavity with a dense material like sand, metal pellets, or concrete.

This solution is far more versatile because the print remains lightweight for shipping and adds weight without needing to modify print settings.

4. Using Third-Party Components (Best Method)

The most efficient way to add weight is by utilizing the third-party external weight components in Teleport. Rather than printing an internal chamber, simply:

• Subtract a negative space from your model that matches the shape of Teleport's Water Weight Jar.

• Upload & Match the model inside Teleport.

• Make sure to include the Water Weight Jar when Matching.

• When the product arrives, the user simply fills the jar with water and places it inside.

Why This is the Best Approach

✔ Keeps prints light for shipping, saving on fulfillment costs

✔ Users can add weight instantly without sourcing unusual materials

✔ No complex printing steps, reducing failure rates

Whether you’re selling on Etsy, Shopify, or eBay, this method ensures your products feel premium and durable while keeping logistics simple.

If you enjoyed this blog post, make sure to check out our YouTube video below, where we cover this same topic in more detail. And don't forget to download our FREE Weighted Insert STL Pack so you can start designing awesome products today!