Parametric Self Watering Pot Insert

This is an adjustable, parametric insert for pots. This allows you to create an insert with drainage holes to put in a pot/vase. There is an option to add a watering channel on the side if you want to use it as a self-watering, or you can set this to 0 to get just an insert with a raised draining base.

One fixed size model is provided for viewing, but download the Fusion 360 file and use change parameters to adjust the dimensions for your needs.

Image with 3 example sizes of inserts

Parameter Descriptions

Main adjustable parameters

• MAIN_width_top - overall interior width at the top of the pot
• MAIN_width_bottom - overall interior width at the bottom of the pot
• MAIN_height - overall interior height of the pot
• MAIN_height_reservoir - height of the water reservoir (how high should the insert sit)
• MAIN_diameter_watering_channel - diameter of the channel running down the side. Set to 0mm if you want an insert without the channel

Printing specific parameters

• PRINTING_floor_thickness - thickness of the floor of the insert (both the bottom of the main chamber and the bottom of the stands) - default 1mm
• PRINTING_stand_thickness - wall thickness of the stands. This is thicker than the regular wall so they will be stronger meaning you're less likely to break them when removing the support material - default 1.2mm
• PRINTING_wall_thickness - default 0.4mm

Advanced parameters

These parameters shouldn't need adjustments, but if your dimensions differ greatly and the model doesn't look right, you can tweak these as needed

• reservoir_hole_diameter - the size of the holes in the bottom of the stands
• reservoir_stands - how many reservoir stands
• reservoir_stands_diameter - outer diameter of each reservoir stand
• reservoir_stands_spacing_from_center - spacing of center of reservoir stand from center of pot
• taper_angle_calculated - calculated based on overall height & width

Screenshot of parameter list in Fusion 360

Printing tips

Due to the raised reservoir you will need supports and therefore cannot use vase mode. As such, make sure you set the wall thickness parameter to extrusion width (it default's to 0.4mm), the floor thickness is a multiple of layer height, and stand thickness a multiple of nozzle size/extrusion width. Example here was printed with 0.2mm layer height PETG, & 0.4mm nozzle (default 0.45 extrusion width) supports on build plate only.