3D printed tap handles for The Rice Box

The bar at The Rice Box carries a unique range of beverages and they wanted custom tap handles to match. Initially, the request was to machine these out of billet aluminum. After seeing the design sent over by their team, Prince Customs advised that 3D printing would be a more appropriate solution in order to maintain the fine details without blowing the budget. After optimizing some elements in CAD, we chose a material and method that would have the appropriate physical properties and look.

One of the designs had a multi piece construction so it could appear as if a metallic tube was running through it. The "tubes" were also 3d printed since the bend radius and space limitations weren't practical for manually bending a metal rod. Once printed, the tubes were painted in a brass-like finish and protected by an automotive clear coat to achieve the final look.