E3D Nozzle Planter

prusaprinters

<h3><strong>Overview</strong></h3><p>Based on the standard E3D V6 nozzle, this self-watering planter will help add a nice touch of green, while being on-theme for 3D printing enthusiasts.</p><p>I designed the planter in two parts. &nbsp;The bottom section is used as a water basin to feed the plant without having to worry about frequent watering. &nbsp;The top section is for the soil and plant. &nbsp;It includes several small holes that serve two purposes: they help drain water so the soil doesn't get too saturated, and two of the holes will be used for self-watering “wick”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Printing</strong></h3><p>Both parts are combined in one print. &nbsp;I printed using PLA on the Prusa i3 MK3 with a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height. &nbsp;Since the print didn't take too long with those settings, I don't recommend increasing nozzle size or layer height as it will make the slanted sections of the threads on the nozzle appear more rough. &nbsp;It will also impact the precision of the threads that are used to connect the two parts.</p><p>The print will require supports, but very little at that and they are easy to remove afterwards. &nbsp;I also personally used some glue on the print bed, since the print takes about 12 hours, this will make sure the prints remain connected to the bed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Assembly</strong></h3><p>The assembly is pretty quick, since the two parts screw together.</p><p>A) Fill the basin with water - I recommend only filling to the top “nozzle thread”.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/228559/rich_content/c677ea93-34e1-45a6-b44a-2cbdb113d878/img_0975.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%222f7bcfd3-cc82-47ad-8c1a-e0e27b029f74%22%2C%22w%22%3A6000%2C%22h%22%3A4000%7D"></figure><p>B) Insert the self-watering “wick” (typically a string cotton rope) through two of the holes, with enough length to reach the bottom of the basin. &nbsp;Note that the holes are ¼".</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/228559/rich_content/b09f33e4-a7e2-4eed-abe2-130efc8f9a43/img_0976.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22897abefb-60b8-4393-aa56-c0198234b794%22%2C%22w%22%3A6000%2C%22h%22%3A4000%7D"></figure><p>C) Thread the top and bottom sections together - note that the threads may be a little tight at the beginning, but they will loosen after working them in a bit.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/228559/rich_content/69b52fad-ed59-4824-a4d0-ab3fb4d004ca/img_0979.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22acb48657-6760-479f-b323-2b0a4d7418cb%22%2C%22w%22%3A6000%2C%22h%22%3A4000%7D"></figure><p>D) Fill the potter with soil and either plant seeds or a small plant - try to position the wick in the soil, rather than just burying it.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/228559/rich_content/64b3bb5b-9536-423d-b9ca-4bbbf04050f6/img_0982.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22e46587d1-7ffd-4f50-91e9-aa2d8ab57a84%22%2C%22w%22%3A6000%2C%22h%22%3A4000%7D"></figure><p>E) Enjoy your new planter! &nbsp;Make sure to check on the water level periodically and refill as necessary.</p><p>Future Work: Since the basin is supposed to hold water, I may try PLA acetone smoothing to help make the print more water-tight.</p><p>Please like it if you do and leave any comments!</p><p>Check out my <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@gcv3d?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc">TikTok</a>!</p><p>Check out my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5bZDx5pKcU-l8q12rkAs9w">YouTube</a>!</p>