Passive self-watering 3D-printable floating vegetable pot, inspired by the chinampa (floating garden bed).
Full scale model containing satsuma imo (Japanese sweet potato) with banana for scale
STL files can be downloaded from the releases page.
The models have been successfully printed in Natural PLA
The models have been successfully printed on a Prusa i3 MK3S+ using a hardened steel 0.4mm nozzle and highv part cooling duct.
NOTE: The standard brass nozzle is not considered food-safe, as it wears out. A stainless-steel or titanium nozzle is recommended if you are even considering printing with food in mind.1
IMPORTANT: The STL models should be sliced with vase mode enabled in order to produce parts that are airtight and buoyant.2 We recommend slicing with OrcaSlicer using the following profile. Note that the profile is for a 0.8 mm nozzle, but have been successfully tested on a 0.4 mm nozzle.
Nozzle diameter: 0.8 mm nozzle
Layer height: 0.2 mm
Wall generator: Classic
Walls printing order: Inner/Outer
Top fill pattern: Concentric
Bottom fill pattern: Concentric
Internal solid infill patter: Concentric
Infill speed: 5 mm/s
Solid infill speed: 5 mm/s
Top solid infill speed: 5 mm/s
First layer print speed: 5 mm/s
Max print speed: 15 mm/s
Overhang speed:
10%, 25%: 5 mm/s
25%, 50%: 5 mm/s
50%, 75%: 5 mm/s
75%, 100%: 5 mm/s
Extrusion multiplier: 1.2
Nozzle temperature:
First layer: 220 C
Other layers: 220 C
Bed temperature:
First layer: 60 C
Other layers: 60 C
Fan speed:
Min: 100%
Max: 100%
Min print speed: 5 mm/s
Lift height: 0.5 mm
Retraction height: 2 mm
Ramping lift: Enabled
Retraction speed: 50 mm/s
NOTE: It is recommended that your first layer is properly calibrated, as to ensure a water-tight print.3
We recommend post-processing the slicer-generated gcode with the BrickLayers python script for increased layer adhesion along the initial layers of the print. For example:
python bricklayers.py buoy.gcode -outputFile buoy_with_bricklayers.gcode -startAtLayer 1 -enabled 1This project was inspired by the works of
- Chinampas pioneered by the native Aztec tribes and farmlands of southwestern region of the Valley of Mexico
- Self-watering rectangular planter
- Avocado Boat - minimalistic
- The RepRap movement
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
1: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/food-safe-fdm-printing_112313
2: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/layers-and-perimeters_1748#spiral-vase
3: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/first-layer-calibration-i3_112364