He 3D-Printed His Own Planter

He 3D-Printed His Own Planter PLANTERS British farmer Jonny Leech spent only about $12 per row to 3D-print the metering system on his home-built planter He says it works as well as most commercially available planters Leech bought a $250 3D printer and a software package called “Solidworks” that allowed him to make 15 prototypes before he came up with a final design that he says provides 99 percent planting accuracy at speeds up to 7 mph The seed meters are chain-driven off the rear press wheels by a stainless steel sprocket that drives a 3D-printed poly sprocket on the meter Leech can change out the sprocket on the meter to alter planting rates He used Great Plains double-disc openers and there are LED sensors in the seed tubes so he can monitor accuracy while planting He’s used the planter both for corn and canola seed

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