Rotary Hydroponic Unit

thingiverse

Print this modular hydroponic system, designed for most CNC tools, and help feed the world. The ModRotoHydro consists of flat-pack, rotary trays made from standard Mendel parts such as frame vertex and Y-bar clamps. The gear-tooth profile is based on a Thingiverse design, with an optional zigzag pattern for easier printing. The cylinder has an outer diameter of 1 meter, an inner diameter of 80 cm, and holds 75mm rockwool cubes. You can also design alternate holders for smaller sizes. The gear ratio is 11/1056 (44 teeth on each of 24 segments), powered by a 3-3.6 rpm synchronous motor from a broken halogen heater. Alternative parts with different tooth numbers are available upon request. The base frame uses 1m lengths of studding, but can be adjusted to accommodate trays and reservoirs. A tray support designed for 8mm studding or dowel is included, with a polyethylene sheet suggested as a sump for nutrients. To assemble, use the supplied eDrawings executable assembly file for measurements. Gather studding, nuts, bolts, washers, bearings, plastic or MDF, lights, motor, grow medium, and hydroponic fertilizer (plus optional water pump and timer). Print or laser-cut all structural parts, cut and file studding to size, and build a base for the number of rings desired. Install lights, motor, and feeding tray, load rockwool cubes with seedlings, and place them in 3" cubes on assembled rings. Rest the planted ring on the base and start the motor, while pumping nutrient solution into the sump daily for optimal growth. Enjoy fresh, seasonal produce!