Case Study: Developing a Custom Milk Cooler for a Research Project

Case Introduction

For this project, our client contacted us to solve a problem they were having in their New Zealand-based scientific research project on piglets. The focus of this project was feeding piglets diet milk to monitor and understand its effects. ShapeMaster had previously been tasked to create the chambers and automated diet milk dispensing system out of clear PVC tanks. Once in use, the client returned with feedback that the chambers lacked the ability to regulate the temperature of the liquid inside. 

The chambers had been placed outside in the piglet habitat, leaving them subject to the daily, sometimes hourly, changes in temperature. As a result, the milk was overheated at times and researchers had little control over the temperature of the liquid at required feeding times. To solve this challenge, ShapeMaster went to work to create a custom jacket for the tanks that could better regulate the temperature of the diet milk between feedings. 

ShapeMaster’s Design Process

Early in the design process, the team had planned to heat the PVC plastic tanks. However, after a study of the cooling capability of this plastic, it was determined that to meet the temperature requirements the tanks needed to be replaced with restaurant-grade stainless steel.

Next, the shape of the cooling and insulation jacket was designed and different insulations were tested to identify the best material for the needs of the project. Finally, the team arrived at a 3D-printed plastic outer shape that a rigid hard foam insulation could be poured into. With this core, we then mounted the cooling system and all electronics for the cooler. This jacket clamps onto the 8020 frame which is already on the tower that the customer has in their facility.

The last step for the client was adding new electric wiring into the system. Once added, the milk will be cooled to ensure the project can resume without any additional temperature bottlenecks. 

To learn more about how you can get started on your next project with ShapeMaster, contact us today.