XL Cubic Build Surface + Dual-Purpose Cuboctahedral Base

(Expansion for the Endless Design Blocks Intro Kit)

This upload introduces a large cube-shaped build surface designed to work seamlessly with the blocks from the Endless Design Blocks Intro Kit. This upload does not include blocks, so if you need them, be sure to download the Intro Kit first. 

Here is the link to the intro kit where you can find the blocks: CLICK ME!

The XL cubic build surface holds far more blocks than the original triangular surface that came with the Intro Kit, giving you room for bigger, more complex builds. It’s fully compatible with the triangular surface, so you can combine them side by side or stack them together for layered displays. A comparison photo shows the original triangle build surface next to the new XL cube surface.

XL Build Surface Geometry

The XL build surface is shaped like the hollowed-out corner of a cube. Its interior forms a concave space where blocks naturally nest into place using gravity and geometric alignment. This unique shape not only offers more surface area for larger or more complex builds but also creates pockets and edges that help guide your block placement. The angled surfaces open up opportunities for stacking or bridging blocks in creative new ways that weren’t possible with the original triangular platform. It’s recommended to pair the XL build surface with a base like the one included in this upload for a better experience, though it’s not strictly necessary.

Dual-Purpose Cuboctahedral Base

Along with the XL cube surface, you get a smaller cuboctahedral build surface that serves two roles:

• Use it as a standalone platform for smaller designs
• Slot the XL cube surface into it for a stable, elevated base

Both surfaces follow the Endless Design Blocks fractal scaling system. Need to go larger? Double the size in your slicer. Want something more compact? Halve it. They’ll stay proportionally accurate and remain compatible. The image below shows four of the XL cubic build surfaces scaled down by 50%. These smaller versions are perfect for tighter layouts and can even be integrated into larger builds down the line. As an added bonus, they’re efficient to store. When not in use, they stack neatly and don’t take up much space.

FDM Print Settings:

XL Cubic Build Surface

Printer: Bambu Lab P1P

Nozzle: 0.4 mm

Layer Height: 0.2 mm (from the included 3MF)

Infill: I recommend 15% Gyroid at any scale. Feel free to experiment and let me know what works best for you.

Brim: Optional but helpful on large prints for extra bed adhesion. A clean build plate is your friend.

Supports: None required.

Bottom Layer Pattern: Your choice. I chose monotonic for this one.

Dual-Purpose Cuboctahedral Surface/Base

Same nozzle and layer height as above

Infill: 15 % Support Cubic

Bottom Layer Pattern: Any pattern works. My favorite is Archimedean Chords with tri-color silk PLA, which gives a reflective CD-like effect (see photo).

If you have any questions or need assistance during printing, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help!

Have fun! 🥳

But wait… What are Endless Design Blocks?

Endless Design Blocks is a fully 3D-printable building block and geometric art system designed to inspire creativity and offer a calming, tactile experience. It’s perfect for anyone who finds comfort in organizing shapes and patterns. It also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and it’s fun for all ages!

Each block and build surface is designed to align naturally using only gravity and geometry. No magnets, no snapping, no locking mechanisms. Both are fully scalable. Want a larger setup? Just double the size of your largest pieces. Need something smaller? Halve the smallest. Everything scales cleanly in powers of two and still fits together seamlessly.

If you want to resize the entire set to match your printer or project, just scale all the parts together in your slicer to keep everything aligned and consistent.

You’re not limited to the included build surfaces either. The blocks tile nicely in 2D, so you can glue them to any flat surface to create custom patterns or layouts. That kind of setup creates interesting pockets and negative space, which gives you plenty of places to stack more blocks on top and start building into 3D.

These blocks are super versatile. Use them to build geometric sculptures, modular tabletop games, jewelry, art pieces, or whatever else comes to mind. There’s no right or wrong way to use them!

If you decide to print a set, I’d love to see what you come up with. The possibilities really are endless!

Interested in learning more about Endless Design Blocks? CLICK HERE

License Information:

This upload is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) license.

This set is shared openly to support creativity, remixing, and community-driven design. If you have any questions about crediting or how to use the designs, feel free to reach out.

You’re free to use it, remix it, and even sell prints or remixes, as long as you give proper credit and share any remix or derivative under the same license. A mention like “Designed by Endless Design Lab” works great, and linking back to the original is even better.

Note: Not all Endless Design Blocks uploads will use the same license. Some future sets may come with different terms, especially for more advanced or exclusive designs. Be sure to always check the license info on each individual upload.

*Selling physical prints of my other designs is only permitted if you are an active member of my Authorized Seller tier on Patreon, Printables, or MakerWorld.* To learn more, visit https://www.patreon.com/c/endlessdesignlab

Thank you for downloading and supporting Endless Design Lab! 

Stay tuned for more mind-bending designs coming soon.

🌌