KitchenAid shield with attachable funnel

thingiverse

This is a custom shield designed specifically for use with a KitchenAid mixer featuring a bowl that measures 220mm in diameter. The funnel is securely attached to the shield via four small hooks, which clip onto the shield with ease. While these hooks may seem fragile at first glance, they have proven to be quite reliable on my particular shield, remaining firmly in place even after repeated assembly and disassembly. However, it's worth noting that these hooks are only 0.5mm thick, so frequent removal of the funnel could potentially compromise their effectiveness. One notable advantage of this design is that you can attach the shield to a closed mixer without needing to remove the mixing attachment first. This convenience makes for a much smoother printing process overall. For printing the shield itself, I opted for PLA material, which provides excellent print quality and durability. However, it's worth considering alternative materials, such as those specifically designed for food-contact applications or dishwasher safety, since PLA may not be the best choice in this regard. When designing your shield, you'll want to ensure that a support structure is included for the edge of the funnel's bottom section to prevent warping during the printing process. I found that a brim with a width of 12mm was sufficient to address this issue effectively. In contrast, no additional supports are required for the shield itself. It's worth noting that the shield measures 230mm in diameter, making it suitable only for larger printers capable of handling such a size.