Spanish Designer Makes Unique 3D-Printed Coffee Cups Daily

Ever wonder how much creativity—and technology—goes into crafting a single coffee cup? Most of us grab the same mug without a second thought, but one designer decided to push the boundaries by making an entirely new ceramic coffee cup every single day.

Over 30 consecutive days, Spanish designer Bernat Cuni created a unique ceramic coffee cup daily, each taking no more than 24 hours from concept to finished product using 3D ceramic printing technology.

What Was the 'One Cup a Day' Project?

Bernat Cuni, a prolific designer based in Spain, undertook an ambitious project called "One Cup a Day". Lasting 30 days, the project saw him conceptualize, design, and produce one unconventional ceramic coffee cup per day. Each cup took under 24 hours to go from idea to physical object, showcasing the possibilities of rapid digital manufacturing in ceramics.

How Did 3D Ceramic Printing Make This Possible?

The key to Cuni’s daily output was 3D ceramic printing. This process involves depositing organic binder onto a flat bed of ceramic powder, layer by layer. After each layer, more powder and binder are added until the full model is built. The printed piece is then fired in a kiln to solidify the binder. Once cooled, excess powder is brushed away, leaving a solid model ready for the next stage.

After the initial print, the piece undergoes a glazing process. First, it’s pre-glazed with a water-based spray to smooth the surface. Then it’s lightly fired at a low temperature before the final glossy glaze is applied and fired again to achieve a refined, durable finish.

Each cup measures approximately 4.5 centimeters in diameter and is both food-safe and heat-resistant. The materials meet reuse and recycling standards, although the price per cup ranges from $36 to $81 depending on design complexity.

How Long Does It Take to Print a Single Cup?

The most time-intensive part of the process is the actual 3D printing, which takes around four hours. This includes the careful deposition of binder onto layers of ceramic powder, with each layer contributing to the final three-dimensional form. Post-processing steps like firing, glazing, and polishing add additional time, but the entire workflow is optimized to fit within a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coffee cups did Bernat Cuni make in total?

Bernat Cuni made one coffee cup per day for 30 consecutive days, resulting in 30 unique ceramic coffee cups in total as part of his “One Cup a Day” project.

What technology did he use to create the cups?

Cuni used 3D ceramic printing technology, which involves building each cup layer by layer with ceramic powder and organic binder, followed by kiln firing and glazing.

How long does it take to make one cup from start to finish?

Each cup was designed, printed, and finished within a 24-hour period, though the actual 3D printing phase alone takes around four hours.

Are the cups safe to use for hot beverages?

Yes, the cups are made with heat-resistant, food-safe ceramic materials that are also designed to be reusable and recyclable according to safety standards.

How much does each cup cost?

Each 4.5-centimeter diameter ceramic coffee cup is priced between $36 and $81, depending on the intricacy of the design.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cupping Unique Designs

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Colombia Huila for balanced caramel and nuttiness—both shine in handmade or uniquely shaped cups. For a heavier body, their Sumatra Mandheling offers earthy spice and a syrupy mouthfeel. These beans highlight the importance of cup shape in aroma and taste. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.