Espresso Machine
CusFlaire Ver. 2
This espresso machine utilizes Second Shot Plus - Pro 3 from Flair Espresso as its core. Unlike the Flair lever machine, CusFlaire has pneumatic cylinder powered from either electric pump or manual bike pump. This is an evolving project: more upgrades are coming to extend its capabilities and robustness.
The espresso shot pulled from CusFlaire doesn't differ from Flair Pro 3, as the core brewer head and operating mechanism are essentially the same. However, the concept of making the machine that makes my coffee is very cool. Also, I don't have to invest a fortune to have a descent experience. The material cost of minimum viable product (the bare minimum that can pull a shot) only costs 50% of Flair Pro 3 MSRP, and the fully upgraded one reaches 70%. No matter the cost, the most important thing is that I have a platform to have fun.
CusFlaire Ver. 2, taken on September 2025
CusFlaire Ver. 2, CAD
The pneumatic air cylinder is the highlight of this project, or it is the disadvantage. The air cylinder separated the air from the brewing head, so there is no risk of contamination from air source. The flexibility of this system allow any kind of regulated compress air: (1) use bike pump to feel the pressure feedback; (2) use electric pump to have an easy time; or (3) use industrial air compressor to instantly reaches 9 bar pressure (I don't know the benefit, but it's fun). Nevertheless, the air acts like a spring, so the tiny feedback is not sensible.