This week’s selection is the Milk Frother by Printables contributor Steve DeGroof.
This is exactly as described: an electric milk frother. It’s immediately useful after assembly, and really works, as shown in DeGroof’s short video:
There are a number of 3D printed parts for this item, including the case and activation button. There are also a number of non-printed components that you must source separately, not the least of which is the electric motor, batteries, and wiring.
The most complex part of this project is the active end of the frother, which is made from spring steel wire.
When I first saw this project, I thought, “looks easy, print parts, assemble, stick in the metal frother part into the motor”.
But no. That “metal frother part” is the hardest part of the project because you are making it from scratch out of spring steel wire. Spring steel wire does not want to bend.
DeGroof supplies copious instructions (and warnings) on how to make that part. It involves bending the wire and producing a coil using a power tool. He explains some of the risks:
“Building this requires working with spring steel. If a piece slips while under tension, it could cause serious injury. Use protective eyewear and gloves.”
Fortunately, DeGroof provides step-by-step instructions for this part of the project, so it should be doable by most makers.
In the end, you get a household electric gadget that would be little different than one you could purchase.
Via Printables
