3D Printed Beer Tap Handles

[SJ_1989]

Well since my drag build has slowed down a bit while I'm gathering parts and such I'd thought I'd show a side hobby I've been tinkering with. I tend to forget to take pictures so I'll try to get some installed photos at some point and post them. I purchased a Prusa i3 MK3s last year and a friend asked if I could make some beer tap handles for him. It's been quite the experience learning the capabilities of the 3d printer and strengthening my modeling skills. I started using a laptop that I've had for many years and quickly found out I needed to upgrade to a desktop with a good processor and graphics card. I'll have to create another thread at some point about that as well because that was an adventure lol.

Here's the first one I ever did. Printed it all one piece with 15% infill and 3 different colors.

3D render

Set up in PrusaSlicer to create the gcode.

Here is a pic part way through the print showing the infill and solid region where the threads will be. I run a tap through it instead of printing the threads. It's just easier that way IMO.

The finished product. Due to a single extruder, and the way I designed it to be all one piece, there are some layers of red and white on the handle. That wasn't my initial intent but turned out pretty good. Since then I've started designing multi piece handles to avoid this. I'll post those designs later.

And here it is installed next to another one I did.

I'll most some more over the next few days. They keep getting more complicated as I get better with printing and modeling lol.

 

[NoGuru]

Looks great! Does Prusa slicer us adaptive layers? I use Simplify 3D and Cura mostly. Adaptive layers can really smooth our the layer lines on rounded parts.
I might have to test to see if I can find that setting in Prusa slicer.

 

[SJ_1989]

PrusaSlicer has a variable layer height setting you can play with. I've used it more on later handles as I became experienced with the slicer. I try to balance layer height though with print time because the handles generally take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to print depending on the detail.

 

[NoGuru]

Cool, I will check it out if I ever find time. I did a helmet on my Tevo Tornado that took over 72 hours to print with one pause in the middle to change out spools.
That one made me a little nervous.
Keep up the cool taps. Can't wait to see more of what you print.

 

[SJ_1989]

Been awhile since I updated this thread. Here is one of my favorite tap handles to date. I don't really make these anymore because it's very time consuming to model and print.

Half Acre Daisy Cutter.

Assembled view in SolidWorks

Exploded view in SolidWorks showing each part that was printed separately and then glued together.

A few pictures during printing.

And the final result. Turned out great!

 

[SJ_1989]

Surly Rocket Surgery

Assembled view in SolidWorks.

Exploded view. Has a 9V battery, switch, and lights inside.

Cross section that shows the battery and switch.

Cross section that shows the internal passages where the wiring is fed from the switch to each of the 3 lights.

Final print all assembled.

And with the lights turned on!

 

[SJ_1989]

Stone Brewing

SolidWorks images.

It's all in the details.

And the final result.

 

[SJ_1989]

Leinenkugel Oktoberfest. Another one of my favorites.

Assembled view in SolidWorks.

Exploded view showing each part that was printed separately then glued together.

Final print.

And being put to good use!

 

[wheela]

This is awesome! Your posts are inspiring me to invest in a 3d printer and scanner

 

[SJ_1989]

This is awesome! Your posts are inspiring me to invest in a 3d printer and scanner

Thanks! It's fun to design something then being able to actually make it....at least in plastic anyway haha.

3d printers can be had for pretty cheap. I don't have experience with any other except the one I have which is a Prusa MK3S which I really like.

Before buying a printer I'd recommend researching a CAD program you want to use. There are several free ones out there. Blender is a popular one and I use it from time to time. There's plenty of YouTube tutorials out there for it as well. Or you can purchase a CAD program like Fusion360 or SolidWorks for a monthly fee I believe.

 

[wheela]

Thanks! It's fun to design something then being able to actually make it....at least in plastic anyway haha.

3d printers can be had for pretty cheap. I don't have experience with any other except the one I have which is a Prusa MK3S which I really like.

Before buying a printer I'd recommend researching a CAD program you want to use. There are several free ones out there. Blender is a popular one and I use it from time to time. There's plenty of YouTube tutorials out there for it as well. Or you can purchase a CAD program like Fusion360 or SolidWorks for a monthly fee I believe.

I'm pretty familiar with SoliWorks, I'm an engineer and use that at work. Which isn't very often, as my job is mostly paperwork, haha! I need hobbies to fullfill my design interests

We have 3d printers and scanners at work, but I don't work with them directly, and haven't really looked much into getting my own printer or scanner yet. Kids are still really young, but as they get older time should start freeing up for hobbies again

 

[NoGuru]

Yeah, you can buy them for pretty cheap and there are lots of good cheap 3D printers. I started building my own from scratch and it is the equivalent of a $50K-$100K printer for just a few thousand.

Awesome taps!