Modular cultivation with self-watering seedbed - ArreLab

Arre LAB XS

A compact modular germination system designed for hydroponic cultivation and continuous vegetable rotation.

I want to announce that this project is alive and is the first part of the Arre LAB project, I encourage anyone to participate.
Modify, redesign, or simply enjoy the model. BUT SHARE YOUR RESULTS!
*I have included the STEP file for the pot holder; please respect the template's tolerances to ensure your modification works for everyone!

Arre LAB XS focuses on the first phase of the process:
germination and initial growth.

Instead of occupying the main hydroponic system with unstable seeds and seedlings, this module allows for a constant production flow by preparing new plants each week before transplanting them to the final system.

Designed with a clean and functional aesthetic inspired by laboratory equipment, small appliances, and modular maker systems.

Features

• Vertical modular design
• Individual humidity domes for each seedling
• Compact format for any corner
• Optimized for lettuce and small leafy greens
• Easy to print and assemble
• Low material consumption
• Designed for continuous rotation systems

Recommended Workflow

1. Germinate seeds inside humidity domes
2. Maintain seedlings during the first growth phase
3. Transplant to the main hydroponic system
4. Repeat weekly to maintain a continuous harvest
   

Required Materials (non-printable)

To assemble the system, you will need some additional components besides the printed parts:

• 8 M3x8 tapered head screws
• 8 threaded heat inserts for M3
• 2 wooden rods

In this version, Ø26 mm wooden rods have been used, as they provide significant rigidity and visual presence to the assembly.

If we find that most users utilize a single height or configuration, small adapter bushings could be designed to allow the use of smaller diameter rods, reducing costs and further facilitating assembly.

Printing Materials

For this project, I have combined ASA and PETG, although the included print profile is prepared to use only PETG.
This way, anyone with an open printer can print the complete project without issues.

IMPORTANT!

Please adhere to the following configurations for the water reservoir:

• 5 walls
• 5 top layers
• 5 bottom layers

This is fundamental to ensure the correct sealing of the part.
Believe me when I say this is the configuration that has guaranteed the material does not leak water.

Transparent Caps

The transparent caps are designed to be printed with:

• 0.4 mm nozzle
• Arachne wall generator

Both the part thickness and the print profile are designed to optimize manufacturing times.

The alternative would have been to print all 9 parts in spiral mode (vase mode), but that would require manufacturing them one by one, and the total print time would be much longer.