Usually, when we think of 3D printing, we think of viscous melted plastic or UV curable resin. However, there is a lot of research around printing special impregnated filaments with alternative materials. [Ahron Wayne] I have been studying these materials and decided to make my own beer using prototype prints.
Theme of [Ahron]The experiment was a glass-impregnated filament developed by Virtual Foundry. The filament is filled with tiny glass particles, and the idea is that it can be printed like any ordinary plastic filament. From there, it is heated in a so-called degreasing process, thereby removing the plastic from the print. Then, it is heated again during the sintering process to bind the remaining glass particles together.
This is a complicated process that will cause the size and porosity of the final part to shrink. However, some people may see failure, [Ahron] Saw the opportunity. The porous printed part is used to filter the coffee, with a little vacuum that sounds like a venturi.
[Ahron] Note that this is not a particularly effective method of making coffee, but it does work. We have also seen exciting work on steel impregnated filaments. Video after the break.