E3D Nozzle Planter

thingiverse

Overview: 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. I designed the planter in two parts. The bottom section is used as a water basin to feed the plant without having to worry about frequent watering. The top section is for the soil and plant. 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 a self-watering “wick”. Printing: I printed using PLA on the Prusa i3 MK3 with a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height. 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. It will also impact the precision of the threads that are used to connect the two parts. The print will require supports, but very little at that and they are easy to remove afterwards. 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. Assembly: The assembly is pretty quick, since the two parts screw together. A) Fill the basin with water - I recommend only filling to the top “nozzle thread”. 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. Note that the holes are ¼". 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. 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. E) Enjoy your new planter! Make sure to check on the water level periodically and refill as necessary. Future Work: Since the basin is supposed to hold water, I may try PLA acetone smoothing to help make the print more water-tight. Please like it if you do and leave any comments! Check out my TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gcv3d Check out my YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5bZDx5pKcU-l8q12rkAs9w