Make an E-Paper Tap Handle!

Pictured: Resin Tap Handle Build using waveshare e-paper display, more info below

July 10, 2024

Update: Finding the waveshare NFC display

Since this write up was pushed the waveshare NFC display that all builds are baseed on has disappeared.

This appears to be a very similar display…

2.7inch Passive NFC-Powered e-Paper Module, 264 × 176 Pixels Black and White Display Color, No Battery Needed, No Messy Wiring Wire-less Powering & Data Transfer Android APP Provided

If you that that board, I’d love to hear how it works. Especially if you used the previous model

Original Display Board

What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “tap handle” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Note that this is out of stock as of this update. Check the product page to see if it’s available again.

waveshare 2.7inch Passive NFC-Powered E-Paper Module No Battery Wireless Powering & Data Transfer Provides Android APP Black and White Display – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Share your build!

If you put together a build… We’d love to share the details with your fellow homebrewers. Email us the deets.

Reader Project – Resin e-Paper Tap Handle Build!

Thanks to HBF Reader Raymond for sharing his technique for putting together an e-ink tap handle bulk Let’s be friends! 8 Ways to Connect with HBF

From Raymond…

I saw these boards a while back after seeing a wooden build someone else had done. I loved the concept and ended up picking one up to tinker with.

I don’t have a 3D printer, and don’t have the right woodworking tools, so I ended up going a different direction; these boards are perfect for potting in resin! With no cabling for power or data, there’s no reason not to embed them in a block of resin. I Embedded one of these E-Z Lok inserts for tap threading. I sealed the upper end with Scotch tape to prevent the threading from being filled with resin. (Filling with wax might have worked better, but it did the job)

E-Z LOK Knife Threaded Insert for Hard-Wood, Brass Thread Inserts 3/8-16 Internal Threads, 0.625″ Length Pack of 10

I poured the resin in two stages; front layer then positioned the board face down on the cured first layer and poured the second layer.Turns out there are reasons not to pot these boards in resin; you run the risk of putting the NFC chip out of range of your phone if you bury the boards in too thick a layer. I had to sand down the surface until I could get the board to synch up with my phone’s NFC transmitter again.The resin kit I bought. Easy to find on Amazon, and easy to use.

A test tap handle I made cause I had the materials and molds.After sanding and polishing on my buffing wheel.The “finished” handle. If you look, you can see where the tape came up a bit on the threaded insert, and some imperfections are visible on the backside.

I also oopsed and used too large a mold; I’ll need to trim it down and re-sand/polish if I want to use large tap handles on the other two taps.

All told I’m moderately pleased with how this came out. I’ll probably build another one at some point, using a different mounting method

Related: 3D Printer Projects!

These projects 3D printer projects appear to utilize a similar e-paper display

If you put together a build... We’d love to share the details with your fellow homebrewers. Email us the deets.

Parts List for E-Paper Display Tap Handle 3D Build!

Credit for this photo and build to UnworkableProphet via Printables

I’ve decided to give this build a try! Here is my parts list…

E-Z Hex Thread Repair Kit for Soft Wood Flanged Threaded Inserts 3/8-16 x 25mm, Drill, Installation Tool

Plastic Nylon Hex Standoff Male FemaleThreaded Spacer Pillar M3 Thread 6+6mm 100Pcs

uxcell a15073000ux0749 M3 x 6mm Phillips Flat Head Countersunk Bolts Machine Screws (Pack of 50)

uxcell M3x6mmx0.5mm Stainless Steel Round Flat Washer for Bolt Screw 100Pcs

Pictured: waveshare 2.7inch Passive NFC-Powered E-Paper Module No Battery Wireless Powering & Data Transfer Provides Android APP Black and White Display – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd top:epapertap #tag:tpr

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