Empire dripper

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Limited Edition Dripper.

Empire wanted to make an exclusive, limited edition dripper to sell in their stores. After comprehending their vision and doing the groundwork, I proposed a hand-made product made with noble materials like plywood and ceramic.

I hand-made 30 units only, converting them into a unique product in the Empire’s store.

THE process

The client wanted a clean and geometric design to captivate most coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs, so I started the process with an intensive divergent stage of sketching, looking to achieve the desired look and feel of the product.

After that, I made several models and prototypes to ensure that, besides being handmade, the final product was accomplished to maintain consistency in its shape and dimensions to hold the standard paper filters and, therefore, to pour proper coffee every time.

To start with the handmade production, I used 3D printing to make the model, and then I made the plaster molds in a single part. One of the main objectives of the ceramic piece was that the mold could be made in one piece to streamline the process. So I carefully look for the draft angles and edges to ensure a well unmold of clay piece.

In this video you can see the whole process from the early stages of design through sketching and modeling, the prototype and mold design, the production's process and even the final product with its packaging.

THE product

The ceramic dripper comes in glossy white, glossy black and dotted white, made by adding magnesium oxide to the enamel.

The drainage system consists of a 12mm hole in the center of the flatbed. This system allows a slow and controlled drip, which helps to make coffee with a deeper texture and a bold flavor.

It has a removable flat base that comes in clear acrylic or plywood, with the Empire logo engraved. This base fits into the funnel to prevent wobbling and allow for adequate dripping.