Spanish Designer 3D Prints a Unique Coffee Cup Every Day

Ever wonder how much your coffee mug affects your morning mood? A Spanish designer decided to find out—by making a completely different cup every single day.

Bernat Cuni created one unique ceramic coffee cup per day for 30 days, each taking just 24 hours from idea to final product using 3D ceramic printing technology.

What Is the '30 Coffee Cups in 30 Days' Project?

Bernat Cuni, a prolific designer based in Spain, undertook an ambitious project: to design and produce a distinct coffee cup every day for 30 consecutive days. Using advanced 3D ceramic printing, he transformed digital concepts into physical cups within a tight 24-hour window. Each cup features imaginative shapes and structures, demonstrating both creativity and the possibilities of rapid digital fabrication.

How Does 3D Ceramic Printing Work for Coffee Cups?

The core of Cuni’s process is 3D ceramic printing, which builds each cup layer by layer in a bed of fine ceramic powder. Here’s how it breaks down:

• A thin layer of ceramic powder is spread flat.
• In selected areas, an organic binding agent is deposited to form the shape of that layer.
• The process repeats, adding more powder and binder until the full model is constructed.
• The printed model is then fired in a kiln, which solidifies the binder.
• Excess powder is removed, revealing the shaped ceramic form.

How Are the Cups Finished for Daily Use?

To ensure durability and usability, each printed cup undergoes several post-printing steps:

• Pre-glazing with a water-based spray smooths the surface.
• A low-temperature firing prepares the cup for final glazing.
• A high-temperature firing strengthens the structure permanently.
• The final glaze adds a glossy, food-safe, and heat-resistant finish.

All glazes meet safety standards for food contact, heat resistance, and recyclability. Despite the innovative process, each cup maintains practicality for everyday coffee drinking.

How Much Do These One-of-a-Kind Cups Cost?

Though not mass-produced, these artisanal cups are available for purchase. Each cup, roughly 4.5 cm in diameter, ranges in price from $36 to $81 depending on design complexity and finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to 3D print a single coffee cup?

Each coffee cup takes 24 hours or less from initial concept to finished product, including design, 3D printing, drying, firing, and glazing. The actual 3D printing phase takes around 4 hours.

What technology is used to make these cups?

The cups are made using 3D ceramic printing, where a ceramic powder is layered and selectively bound with an organic agent. The printed form is then kiln-fired to harden the structure and later glazed for durability and safety.

Are the 3D printed cups safe for drinking coffee?

Yes. The ceramic material and glazes used are food-safe, heat-resistant, and meet recycling standards. A final glaze ensures a smooth and safe interior for coffee contact.

How much does one of Bernat Cuni’s coffee cups cost?

Each cup is priced between $36 and $81 USD, depending on the design. The small size is approximately 4.5 cm in diameter.

Can these cups be used every day?

Yes, they are designed for durability and everyday use. The high-temperature firing and glazing processes ensure that each cup can safely handle regular coffee brewing and washing.

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