3D-Printed Wine Funnel:
80% weight reduction
while maintaining full functionality
More than 80% weight savings, smooth 24/7 continuous operation, flexible handling of different sizes, and compliant with TÜV and quality management standards.
Published: October 2025 • Reading time: approx. 1 minute
3D-Printed Wine Funnel:
80% weight reduction
while maintaining full functionality
More than 80% weight savings, smooth 24/7 continuous operation, flexible handling of different sizes, and compliant with TÜV and quality management standards.
Published: October 2025 • Reading time: approx. 1 minute
A WINE FUNNEL THAT SOLVES SEVERAL PROBLEMS AT ONCE
Previously, welded stainless-steel funnels were used in the wine filling process, creating several challenges. Their high weight of approximately 20 kg put significant strain on the pneumatic cylinders, causing vibrations and excessive operating noise. When the funnel was lowered, cartons and bag-in-box liners were frequently damaged, particularly if a carton had not been fully opened. In addition, separate funnels were required for each bag size (e.g., 2.25 L or 3 L). Changing between formats resulted in lengthy changeover times of up to 45 minutes, disrupting the production flow. Quality and hygiene requirements also presented issues: PVC strips were retrofitted to soften the sharp edges of the funnels, but these modifications were criticized during TÜV inspections and quality management audits. The combination of excessive weight, high system stress, and limited flexibility repeatedly led to downtime and customer complaints. A lightweight, hygienic, and reliable long-term solution was urgently needed.
OUR SOLUTION:
FROM A STAINLESS-STEEL COMPONENT TO AN ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
Based on the existing stainless-steel funnel, a fully 3D-printed wine funnel made from PA2200 was developed, optimized for continuous operation, hygiene, and ease of maintenance. While the original functionality was retained, the design was completely re-engineered for additive manufacturing, resulting in a smoother, more rounded, and inherently more robust geometry. The funnel's weight was reduced from 20 kg to just 3.5 kg, significantly decreasing the load on the machine and its pneumatic components. A modular design with interchangeable reducer inserts enables format changes in just 5 minutes instead of 45 minutes, even when performed several times per week. Smooth, rounded geometries help prevent damage to bags and cartons, while the reinforced structure reliably eliminates deformation. The funnel is TÜV- and quality management-compliant, food-safe according to EU standards, and even incorporates the company's logo directly into the design. Thanks to the substantial weight reduction, the filling line now operates much more smoothly and quietly. Vibrations have been significantly reduced, leading to noticeably lower wear on the pneumatic cylinders and improved overall system reliability.
LESS WEIGHT,
FEWER DOWNTIME PERIODS,
GREATER FLEXIBILITY
Through the use of additive manufacturing, a heavy and failure-prone component has been transformed into a lightweight, durable and TÜV-compliant solution. The new wine funnel reduces the strain on the plant, minimises downtime and ensures a more reliable production process. An example of how MURTFELDT successfully combines functionality, cost-effectiveness and precision through 3D printing.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
„A highly professional approach, from the initial sample delivery to full-scale production implementation“
Lukas M., Niederrhein-GOLD Tersteegen GmbH & Co. KG
We're happy to help.
Philipp Austermann
Development Engineer | Additive Manufacturing
+49 231 20609 855
solutions@murtfeldt.de