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](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](https://than.gs/m/1364094)

Shaded Drink Coasters…
[https://than.gs/m/1109920](https://than.gs/m/1109920)

Compliant Beer Holster…
[https://than.gs/m/1002137](https://than.gs/m/1002137)

Gimballed Wine Holster…
[https://than.gs/m/1066121](https://than.gs/m/1066121)

**Visit my blog for more details and other designs**
[https://www.logicalplanet.com/](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)




DrinkColder (12floz) – Self-Closing Drink Holder & Cooler

DrinkColder 1v00a1 301 Base.stl

DrinkColder 1v00a3 112 top walls (standard) shortened.stl

DrinkColder 1v00a3 212 ring gear (short).stl

Bring a touch of modern design and fascinating geometry to your space with this unique 3D-printed ornament! This striking piece isn't just beautiful; it's also a testament to smart design, assembling from simple flat parts into a complex, captivating object.

Design & Assembly: This ornament is ingeniously designed for print-in-place convenience and tool-free assembly. It consists of six (6) identical flat pieces (actually, one has a hole for hanging your ornament) that you print separately. Once printed, these pieces effortlessly slide and interlock together through precisely cut slots, transforming from a two-dimensional layout into a mesmerizing three-dimensional sphere-like structure. The central square-shaped piece then slots into the center for a pop of color, completing the look.

Features:
Easy Assembly: No glue or fasteners required—just slide the pieces together!
Quick print: File takes less than half hour to print. More if you want to add color modifiers (coming soon)
Unique Aesthetic: The interlocking design creates a dynamic, layered look that catches the light beautifully, especially with interesting filament choices.

Print-Friendly: Designed to print flat, minimizing supports and making it accessible for most FDM 3D printers.

Versatile: Perfect as a Christmas ornament, a decorative mobile, or a unique gift topper.

fdmprinting

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