Bringing Branded Moments to Life with Precision 3D Printing
The Client
A small-batch coffee roaster and café owner in Nottingham approached Protomolecule Ltd looking for a way to elevate their presentation and branding. They wanted to create custom coffee stencils that could dust cocoa or cinnamon onto lattes with their unique logo and seasonal messages—something reusable, hygienic, and visually striking.
The Challenge
The designs needed to be:
- Precise enough to display crisp, legible shapes on foam
- Durable and food-safe for daily use
- Easy to clean between uses
- Unique to the brand, incorporating both logos and text
The client had no prior 3D experience, so we needed to guide them from concept to product—quickly and affordably.
The Solution
We started by sketching ideas based on their logo and typography. Using our in-house 3D design services, we created several stencil options, tested for both airflow and material strength.
We printed the final batch using FDM with food-safe PETG, offering a balance of durability, flexibility, and safety. The stencils featured tab handles for clean handling and came in both circular and branded custom shapes to fit various cup sizes.
The Results
- Delivered within 5 days from design approval
- 10 reusable custom stencils produced
- Client used them for social media promotions, café branding, and holiday specials
- Helped boost brand identity and customer engagement
- Now exploring additional seasonal sets for eCommerce resale
Services Used
- 3D Design
- Rapid Prototyping
- FDM 3D Printing
- Low-Volume Batch Production
“The stencils were a total hit—customers loved them, and they made our drinks pop on Instagram. We’ll definitely be back for more!”
— Café Owner, Nottingham
