Hackaday · Creativity & design

3D-Printed Device Safely Manages Espresso Machine Steam Wand Purge

A hacker has designed and 3D-printed a device to safely handle the steam and hot water expelled from an espresso machine's steam wand during purging.

The Coffee Steam Dryer (V2) is designed to capture and redirect the steam and water that is purged from a steam wand before or after frothing milk. This process is often necessary for optimal results with some espresso machines.

The device works by having the steam jet into an open top, where it is redirected. It passes through expansion chambers that draw in cool air, cooling and slowing the steam before it exits. Any expelled water is captured within the device.

The steam wand purge can produce a jet of steam and superhot water droplets, which the user would otherwise have to manage. This 3D-printed tool offers a solution to this specific workflow problem.

The inlet is printed in heat-resistant ABS or ASA. The design has no moving parts and can be disassembled for cleaning and drying, making it a practical accessory.

This innovation highlights how improvements in coffee workflows can be achieved through hacking and 3D printing, complementing other coffee-related projects like DIY roasters and micro-brew machines.

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