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  • Writer's pictureKaren Gendron

We are Reviving the Tap Handle Industry

The beer tap handle industry can be traced back to the 1930s, when beer dispensing systems began to be used in bars and restaurants. However, the production of decorative tap handles for beer dispensing systems did not become widespread until the 1950s and 1960s. At this time, breweries began to use tap handles as a way to promote their brands and differentiate their beers from their competitors.


Since then, the beer tap handle industry has continued to grow and evolve, with a wide variety of tap handle designs and materials available to suit different tastes and styles. Today, tap handles are an important part of the branding and marketing efforts of many breweries, and the industry continues to innovate with new materials, designs, and technologies.



The tap handle industry could be revived through the innovative use of 3D printing technology:


  1. Customization: With 3D printing, tap handle manufacturers could offer customization options to their customers. 3D printers could produce unique and intricate designs that were previously not possible with traditional manufacturing methods. This would allow customers to have tap handles that are personalized to their specific preferences and needs.

  2. Faster prototyping: 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, which would speed up the design and development process of tap handles. Manufacturers could quickly produce and test different designs without the need for expensive tooling, which would save time and money.

  3. Cost-effective production: 3D printing could also lower production costs for tap handles. Traditional manufacturing methods often require expensive molds or tooling, but 3D printing eliminates this need. As a result, tap handle manufacturers could produce smaller quantities of handles without incurring high setup costs.

  4. Sustainability: 3D printing could also have environmental benefits for the tap handle industry. Traditional manufacturing methods often generate a significant amount of waste, but 3D printing produces less waste and can use recycled materials.


Overall, Tap Handles Canada's use of 3D printing technology provides numerous benefits for the tap handle industry, including customization options, faster prototyping, cost-effective production, and environmental sustainability.


Have questions about our process? Check it out here.



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