Vihi Design

FAQ

FAQ｜Vihi Design Technical Documentation

Coffee Tools · Filter Geometry Engineering · Flow Stability · Precision Brewing

1. Why do Kalita Wave filters require re-shaping?

The Kalita Wave relies on its signature flat-bottom tri-point support geometry to maintain stable extraction. Stacked packaging often compresses the pleats, producing angle deviations up to ±5°. This leads to:

  • Uneven flow distribution (wall-flow dominance / center slowdown)
  • Localized extraction bias (channeling)
  • Bed collapse and flavor inconsistency

V-Fold restores filters to the precise 38.3° geometry, re-establishing the intended hydraulic pathways.

2. What is “Flow Stability” in flat-bottom brewers?

The goal isn’t “faster or slower” flow; it is flow uniformity. Flow fluctuation affects:

  • Contact time
  • Extraction gradient
  • Bed agitation

V-Fold minimizes geometry-induced variation, resulting in higher repeatability and more predictable flavor outcomes.

3. How is V-Fold different from other filter formers?

  1. Geometry Precision — ±0.1mm tolerance ensures consistent pleat height and wall symmetry.
  2. Fluid Dynamic Design — The 38.3° angle is optimized according to Wave pleat height and tri-point support distribution.
  3. Thermal Stability — Food-safe PETG withstands heat and maintains structural integrity.

4. Why is V-Fold especially effective with flat-bottom brewers (Origami Air S, Lily, Trinity etc.)?

Flat-bottom brewers are extremely sensitive to filter deformation. The more consistent the geometry → the more stable the bed → the more repeatable the flavor. V-Fold significantly reduces:

  • Pleat misalignment
  • Bed collapse (common in darker roasts)
  • Flow inconsistency (early-slow / late-fast)

5. Do G-Flow and V-Fold influence each other?

Yes — in a complementary way.
G-Flow stabilizes bean feed dynamics during grinding. V-Fold stabilizes fluid dynamics during brewing. Together they reduce variable noise and increase extraction repeatability.

6. Are they suitable for commercial use?

Yes. Many coffee shops, trainers, and competitors use Vihi Design tools for:

  • Standardized training
  • Improved shop-level consistency
  • Competition-grade repeatability

7. Why is manual filter shaping insufficient?

Hand-shaping introduces uncontrolled variables:

  • Angle deviation
  • Pleat asymmetry
  • Uneven bottom geometry

V-Fold ensures industrial-level precision unattainable by hand.

8. Recommended usage

  • Pre-form every filter (takes ~2 seconds)
  • Match pleat direction for consistent bed behavior
  • Avoid dishwashers (heat deformation risk)

For additional technical documentation, contact support@vihi.design