Rancilio Rocky Grinder Dome Cover Bean Rejector, Mark I

thingiverse

The Rocky is one of the most upscale home espresso grinders available on the market today. This machine is built with a sturdy design and features an advanced burr grinding mechanism that allows for precise control over grind settings. It's also incredibly user-friendly, with a straightforward interface that makes it easy to operate. However, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider when deciding whether or not to invest in the Rocky. For one thing, it can be quite expensive compared to other high-end espresso grinders on the market. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the machine's maintenance requirements, particularly when it comes to cleaning the burrs. The primary problem that users encounter when trying to clean the Rocky is the design of the hopper and its attachment system. The dome-shaped plastic cap at the top of the grinder is a clever feature that helps prevent accidents and keeps fingers safe from harm, but it also creates a challenge when it's time to clean the burrs. This dome cap is secured with three screws that not only hold it in place but also serve as anchors for the hopper itself. Cleaning the screw holes becomes a major problem when these beans get lodged inside and can be really tough to get out, and because the hole where the bean gets lodged are just right diameter wise you end up having old beans lingering in there which can become stale. To alleviate this I developed some very easy-to-make friction-fit inserts. Designing these simple inserts is not an arduous task, with a basic parts list including one small cylinder that fits around the screw head and has slight relief at its bottom for easy insertion into place, along with one flat blade part to allow easy grip of it by the hand when removing or placing them. And to create strength between these two pieces you simply blend them together making one strong cohesive unit that is nearly impenetrable. For 3D printing enthusiasts who are considering giving these friction-fit inserts a try I would suggest utilizing a relatively high amount of infill in the print so they are less likely to be removed and end up in contact with coffee beans which can lead to them being crushed and ultimately ground down, although I was confident in their strength that it wouldn't easily come loose from being held at all even when dropped onto some really hot surface or from a slight fall. These inserts can then simply be used like before and will still work as they were designed, they're printed with very standard ABS which doesn't offer many specific features but can provide you with some flexibility in use although the addition of moisture does cause these to appear as frosty or clouded which detracts from its overall visual appeal.