Multicolor (MMU3) Garden Plant Labels

• 6/11/24 - v2 - Updated the slot on the top to be two smaller slots rather than one large slot to avoid bridging issues with PETG.
• 6/12/24 - Uploaded additional 3MF file w/ full plate of 12 labels

This model is a replacement for the blank metal tags that come on the commonly available metal garden plant labels / markers.  Did it need to be done?  No… but it gave me an excuse to design something new and use my MMU3 unit.

Installation Tip!  Straighten the wire label stand a bit when putting the labels on!  If the bend is too sharp,  the labels will crack trying to push them on.

These are the specific labels I designed this tag for - https://www.jungseed.com/product/J53836/1031.  The product description states that the nameplate is 1 3/4" x 3 1/2".  The design is fully parametric and can be easily modified to accommodate other sizes, just let me know.

I designed these labels to print “face” down and take advantage of the MMU3 (or other multicolor units).  The finished label comes off with a nice smooth face and the embedded text looks really nice - I think anyway.

Printing Recommendations

The STLs I've uploaded are plain and blank - the text on the label needs to be added using PrusaSlicer!  I've included directions on how to do this below AND I've included a 3MF project file from PrusaSlicer that you can open as an example.  I've also uploaded a second 3MF file that has a plate of 12 labels, all aligned nicely with the Text modifiers already added.  This is the way to go if you are printing a lot of labels - 12 takes about 4 hours and really minimizes the waste from the whopping 6 filament swaps this takes :) All you need to do is edit the text on the labels in the 3MF and you are set.

I recommend printing these in PETG if you are going to use them outdoors.  I printed my Prairie Smoke sample in Hatchbox Dark Green PETG and Overture White PETG.

Here's how to slice this model in PrusaSlicer for multicolor printing:

• Import the model of your choice (flat or chamfer)
• Place the model face down on the print bed and set an easy to remember X/Y position of the model - I use X 80 and Y 50 in my screenshot below

• Right click on the face of the model (on the bottom), select Add Modifier → Text

• Set the X/Y position of the text to the same as the model - X 80 and Y 50
• Edit your Embossed Text modifier.  I used Arial Black, 10mm height, 1mm depth, center aligned in both directions
• Change the extruder for the modifier to be the secondary color
• Slice and print!