I really liked the magnetic drip tray from my self-sustaining succulent planter, but wanted it to be more general use. So, here is the modular planter box! It has four main parts, and the snap-together fit is satisfyingly magnetic!
With a swappable appearance, there are all sorts of looks this planter could have.
Since the entire planter is designed parametrically, I wanted you to be able to dive into the source file and change it to the exact size you need. So I've included the Fusion 360 file in the downloads so you can remix it to your needs! Make sure to post your changes as a remix.
The heart of the whole assembly, this is the piece that holds the plant. Magnets sit in all four corners, and the bottom will be closed off by the filter. It has a subtle taper of the inside walls to assist with repotting.
With a flare for personalization, the cover allows you to apply a myriad of different aesthetics to your plant pot.
My favorite part of the assembly, a drip tray that magnetically snaps to the bottom of the planter. It fades into the aesthetic and snaps on magnetically. A subtle gap allows airflow so the gathered water can evaporate.
I wanted people to be able to customize how water drains from the soil in the pot. The filter replaces the bottom of the pot and ensures you can control how porus the drainage is. Print it with dense infill and sidewalls only for an even drainage pattern without letting soil out, or print it with some traditional holes for some simple drainage.
Here's one with no top/bottom solid layers and 30% Gyroid infill:
And one with some simple drainage holes:
These all printed great on my Prusa MK3s+. I've included a .3MF file with the settings I used. I printed with no supports and a brim since I print most things with a brim. If they're going to be outside in hot conditions, make sure to use a higher-temp material like PETG or ASA.
I designed the filter to use Metric fasteners that are 3mm in diameter and 10mm threaded length (M3x10). After dropping the filter through the top of the main planter bin, you can fasten it all together using four M3x10 socket-head screws.
Hey, if you don't have the fasteners on hand, you could always just glue it in place too.
Be careful with this step, it's easy to put the magnets in with the wrong polarity. Once you seat the magnets, there is no way to remove them without damaging the printed part.
The magnets are all press-fit, meaning you will have to use some pressure to get them into their seats securely. I used a table-vice to evenly press them into the seats
I used twelve 5x5mm cylinder magnets. Four for the main planter body, four for the drip tray, and four for the decorative cover. , but only the magnets for the main body and drip tray are necessary since the decorative cover can be glued in place permanently instead.
You can purchase this type of magnet from Amazon or AliExpress.
This entire design is made parametrically, meaning I spent extra effort to make the model reactive and changeable. I also am making the source files easy to access in the hope that many people imagine creative remixes both aesthetically and functionally to my design. Please post any creative changes you make as a remix to this design!
I would love to see how you all use my design, so please post a Make and publish any remixes that you imagine. If you like my design, please and consider leaving a small tip with the button at the top right!
The author marked this model as their own original creation.