Aperolino "MKII" - Ball Valve

The Aperolino MK II is the consistent further development of the original design – with targeted improvements for maximum leak-tightness, reliability, and user-friendliness

Based on the original file, this model has been technically revised to eliminate known weaknesses and significantly optimize its everyday function

Important Improvements

• Revised Valve System
  The original valve design was rethought, as some builds could experience leaks
• Switch to Ball Valve Technology
  The valve has been converted to a ball valve, allowing for a significantly more precise and reliable seal
• Integrated Stainless Steel Ball
  A small stainless steel ball ensures a clean, self-sealing function and improves the system's longevity

Advantages in Use

Significantly improved leak-tightness – no more unwanted leaks

Reliable function – even with frequent use

Clean handling – precise opening and closing

Resource-saving – no spring fatigue and no re-printing

Notes

For optimal results, it is recommended:

• Clean printing of valve areas (high precision important)
• Use of suitable stainless steel balls in the intended size
• Possibly slight post-processing of sealing surfaces

The following "non-3D printed" components are required for the ball valve, I used these here:

Stainless steel ball from this set: https://amzn.to/47Osy8x

3 pcs = 7mm stainless steel balls

O-rings from this set: https://amzn.to/48hP7m6

3 pcs = 10x2 mm for the inner valve

2 pcs = 16x2 mm for the valve block top with the glass water bottle

O-ring from this set: https://amzn.to/4mij0Zh

3 pcs = 14x2.5 for the O-ring on the outside of the valve

Some 180 grit sandpaper to slightly smooth the Z-seam in the valve block

Furthermore, I used silicone grease to insert the ball valve into the valve block, as the 14x2.5 O-ring fits a bit tightly

e.g: https://amzn.to/4cuOyrB

The Aperolino MK II is aimed at makers who value functionality and reliability – a well-thought-out further development for a significantly better user experience

Assembly of the Ball Valve

The gray valve in this guide is for illustrative purposes only

There is also a video guide for this, but be warned, I am not a professional YouTuber

Here is the link: 

Smooth the inner wall and Z-seam with some 180 grit sandpaper

Be gentle, don't remove too much material!

We want the valve to still seal, after all

Then rinse thoroughly with water

Next, insert the original spring as usual

  Now place the printed lid on top, with the flat side facing the spring

Now the 14x2.5 O-ring goes on the outside of the valve, BUT do not use silicone grease yet!!!

Now comes the fiddly part, the O-ring must go inside the valve

For this, I created a small indentation in the valve

Be CAREFUL as this is "only" a thin web 

This should then look like this

  Here I gently push the O-ring into the groove a bit with a wooden skewer, with only slight pressure so that the O-ring                      smoothly lies or presses into the indentation

Now you can place the stainless steel ball in and gently press it onto the O-ring

                                                                                       Now place the ball on the lid and position both fairly in the center Approximately as shown here

Here you can now apply some silicone grease to the outer O-ring Then center the valve on top and, with some force and rotation, press the valve into the valve block Make sure the stainless steel ball remains centered in the valve

Almost finished, now just place the plungers on the triggers and done, but be careful because

The Z-seam (see black arrow) shows the installation direction because the hole or the plunger's receptacle is not centered (see green arrow and circle), which is why the small Z-seam at the top of the plunger must face backward

Not every print is 100% identical, so it can be adjusted slightly

So that was basically it,

Here is the valve block for the glass water bottle with a screw cap I installed 2 16x2 mm O-rings here, and now the glass bottles fit, and it is even sealed This is just a little tip on the side xD

I hope everything fits as I have explained and created it for you

In this sense, HAPPY PRINTING and have fun with it

Respectfully

Your Hoschii52