A drink cooler… that opens and closes by itself? Yes — and it’s awesome.

The DrinkColder is a functional, mechanical, and totally novel 3D-printable drink holder and passive cooler designed to automatically open and close based on the weight of your beverage. No motors, no springs — just smart geometry, precision balance, and gear-driven magic.

An IceCozy freezer pack for the DrinkColder is available here... https://than.gs/m/1364094

Why You’ll Love It This is more than a drink holder — it’s a conversation starter, a mini engineering demo, and a satisfying desktop toy all in one. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a cool way to store your LaCroix at work, DrinkColder delivers form, function, and fun.

What Makes It Special Self-Closing Iris Lid – When you place your beverage can inside, the lid closes around it. Press down on the DrinkColder top and the lid opens as your drink rises up. It’s all mechanical. Desktop Engineering Toy – Beyond just function, it’s fun. Watch people’s faces as they figure it out.
Print-Perfect Design – Designed to print support-free, with one built-in removable brim to ensure successful printing. Great Conversation Piece – On your BBQ table, patio, or even your office desk.

Features

• Fits standard 355ml (12oz) cans
• Includes optional cozy insert or TPU ice ring mold to keep your drink extra cold
• Uses internal counterbalance and gears for motion — no electronics
• Designed for PLA with no supports required
• Visual assembly guide included
• Dimensions: 114mm x 114mm x 167mm (4.5” x 4.5” x 6.6”)
• Top iris opening: 70mm diameter

Tips for Best Performance

• Use light lubrication at rotating joints
• Deburr sharp edges after printing

Related Links

IceCozy freezer pack for the DrinkColder... https://than.gs/m/1364094

Shaded Drink Coasters… https://than.gs/m/1109920

Compliant Beer Holster… https://than.gs/m/1002137

Gimballed Wine Holster… https://than.gs/m/1066121

Visit my blog for more details and other designs https://www.logicalplanet.com/

Revisions and Updates I occasionally update and revise my designs. When I do, I’ll document the changes here. Check back periodically for the latest revision notes or if you’re experiencing any issues with a model.

**20250617: **

1. I found that where the Top Walls (111) part was originally printed inverted, if you get any curling on your bed it does not sit perfectly with the Top Cap (101). So I now recommend printing it non-inverted. Therefore I have changed the brim location, modified the orientation in the STL and revised the part. The new part is version 1v00a3 (the original was 1v00a). If you are printing this model for the first time or you printed it successfully already you can ignore this.

Top Walls Filename Status Original DrinkColder 1v00a1 111 Top Walls Removed Revised DrinkColder 1v00a3 111 Top Walls Replaces 1v00a1

2. I discovered that the upright elements of the Base (301) could snap off relatively easily while inserting the Posts and Gears so I have strengthened it. If you are printing this model for the first time or you printed it successfully already you can ignore this.

Base Filename Status Original DrinkColder 1v00a1 301 Base Removed Revised DrinkColder 1v00a3 301 Base Replaces 1v00a1

3. While working on a Tallboy (16oz) can version, I realized that I could make the top assembly a little (10mm) shorter. Doing so changes nothing about how the DrinkColder operates but it makes it smaller overall, and therefore faster to print and with less material. So it is a great alternative. If you would like to use this new shorter design you need to print the new Top Walls (112) and also a new shorter Ring Gear (212). I am not sure how to best present that so I am leaving both sets of parts (the original and the shorter ones) in the posting. All other parts remain the same.

Top Walls Filename Status Original DrinkColder 1v00a1 111 Top Walls Taller Version New Part DrinkColder 1v00a3 112 Top Walls Shorter alternative to 111

Ring Gear Filename Status Original DrinkColder 1v00a1 211 Ring Gear Taller Version (pairs with 111) New Part DrinkColder 1v00a3 212 Ring Gear Shorter alt. to 211 (pairs with 211)