DIY Coffee Machine Prints Your Name on a Cappuccino

Ever wished your morning coffee could greet you by name—or at least carry a personal touch without needing a barista? Whether it’s a custom message on a latte or just the novelty of a drink made just for you, most coffee drinkers have imagined a cup that feels uniquely theirs. But how do you get a coffee machine to do more than just brew?

The answer: a DIY coffee machine built with a Jura Impressa XS90, a standard printer, and an Arduino control board—capable of texting orders, brewing espresso, steaming milk, and printing your name directly onto the foam, all automatically.

What Is This Textspresso Machine?

Zipwhip, a U.S.-based cloud communications company, is known for fostering unconventional innovation among its staff. One employee took that spirit to the breakroom by constructing a fully customized coffee machine dubbed “Textspresso.” This isn’t a concept sketch—it’s a working prototype that combines commercial espresso hardware with off-the-shelf electronics and a desktop printer modified to handle edible inks.

How It Works: Text to Custom Cappuccino

The system is controlled entirely via SMS. When you send a text message to the machine, it triggers a sequence of steps: grinding and brewing espresso using the Jura Impressa XS90, steaming milk to make cappuccino, and finally using a connected printer—with food-safe ink—to print your name or a short message directly onto the foam. All of this happens without any manual input once the text command is received.

The Tech Behind the Cup: Jura, Arduino & More

The heart of the machine is a Jura Impressa XS90, a high-end super-automatic espresso machine capable of precise brewing. This is paired with a conventional inkjet printer, modified to use edible inks for printing on the latte art surface. The entire operation is managed by an Arduino—an open-source electronics platform that handles the logic, sequencing, and communication between the SMS receiver, coffee machine, milk steamer, and printer. While the exact code or interface isn’t detailed, the project demonstrates how accessible electronics can extend the functionality of commercial coffee gear.

Why This Matters for Coffee Lovers

Beyond the wow factor, this DIY project highlights the potential for personalization in specialty coffee. It shows how existing commercial machines—like the Jura XS90—can be integrated with simple robotics and software to create a more interactive coffee experience. For coffee enthusiasts who value both precision and personality, this fusion of automation and customization offers an inspiring example of what’s possible at home or in a specialty café setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coffee machine is used in the Textspresso project?

The Textspresso machine uses a Jura Impressa XS90, a super-automatic espresso machine known for its precise brewing capabilities and commercial-grade components. It handles the espresso extraction and milk steaming automatically as part of the setup.

How does the name get printed on the coffee?

The name or message is printed using a modified desktop printer that has been adapted to use edible ink. This printer is integrated into the machine’s workflow and applies the print to the milk foam after the cappuccino is prepared.

Can I build something like this at home?

In theory, yes—but it requires a Jura Impressa XS90 espresso machine, a printer that can use edible ink, an Arduino controller, and the ability to program the system to handle SMS commands, coordinate brewing, and trigger the printer. It’s a complex but technically achievable DIY project for those with electronics and coffee equipment experience.

What app or service is used to send the text message?

The article does not specify the SMS platform or app used, only that the machine is controlled by sending a text message to it. The SMS is received by the system, which then processes the order through its Arduino-based control setup.

Is the printed message safe to consume?

Yes, the machine uses edible ink in the modified printer, ensuring that any text or image printed onto the foam is safe for consumption.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Custom Coffee Creations

For coffee lovers experimenting with personalized brews like the Textspresso machine, FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend and Strawberry Candy Espresso offer ideal flavor profiles. The Specialty Blend combines Colombian beans with rich black chocolate and caramel notes, balanced by Brazilian beans for smooth sweetness—perfect for showcasing latte art and custom messages. The Strawberry Candy Espresso, a multi-origin blend, delivers complex fruitiness with hints of grape, blueberry, and soft candy, adding a playful twist to any custom cup. Both beans perform well under espresso extraction and pair beautifully with steamed milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.