Beer Tap Handle

I’ll be the first to admit that while I might be comfortable with 3D printing, modeling objects is still something fairly new to me. I’m more used to working in the 2D world of graphic and web design.

I recently set a goal for myself to move beyond the 2D world and try my hand at modeling 3D objects. I’m not one to shy away from learning new skills, plus I think my co-workers were getting sick of me asking them to model things for me.

My tool of choice: Tinkercad.

Now, I know I’ll get flack for using Tinkercad, but hear me out. It’s free, approachable, easy-to-use, and did I mention free? It certainly has its limitations but for a beginner like me it is perfect. I will (eventually) move to a more feature-rich tool like Fusion 360 or OpenCAD.

I had a printer (Ender 3 V2 with PEI magnetic sheet and Micro Swiss direct drive kit). I had my design tool of choice picked out. I had access to every filament I could want.

I needed a project. The tap-handleless kegerator sitting in the corner of my basement was calling my name. It was time to model my very own, custom, 3D-printed kegerator tap handle.

If you’ve ever sat at a bar, you definitely know that tap handles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall, short, wide, multi-colored, or even fun shapes. I settled on a relatively basic design for mine that would include space for a chalkboard sticker that would allow me to note what was on tap.

I wanted my tap handle to stand out. The obvious choice for filament was our Buzzed Beer filament. Not only does it print fantastically well, it also has a very unique color. Plus, it’s made out of the early stages of beer. Using beer (in a sense) to pour more beer seems appropriate.

The handle of the tap is 3D-Fuel Standard PLA in Midnight Black. After printing I inserted the threaded insert linked below, which is the standard size for most kegerators.

I’ve created a ready to print STL for those who want to print a replica. For those who want to make it their own, head over to our shared Tinkercad link.

Stay Printing!
 - Dirk

Materials

• 3D-Fuel Buzzed Beer Filament
• 3D-Fuel Midnight Black Standard PLA
• Brass Insert (3/8"-16 Thread Size, 5/8" Installed Length, Brass)
• Chalkboard Stickers

Print Settings

• Printed on Ender 3 V2
• 215 C Print Temperature
• 55 C Bed Temperature
• 20% Infill