Print Your Own Mortar Bottle Opener STL
The 3D Printed Mortar Bottle Opener: A Desk Battle Station for Your Brew
I first encountered the concept of a "beer mortar" through scattered online images — a whimsical, almost militaristic device designed to open bottles with a satisfying gravity-fed drop. It struck me as the perfect blend of engineering and everyday utility, a testament to how 3D printing can transform mundane objects into conversation starters. This inquiry led me down a rabbit hole of designs, modifications, and community insights, revealing a niche but vibrant world of creators and enthusiasts.
Source: An illustration shows a sleek, grey 3D printed mortar bottle opener ready for action on a desk. It represents a blend of engineering and utility.
Quick Summary
Thinking about 3D printing your own mortar bottle opener? Here is a quick overview of what you will find:
- Origin: The concept began with biermortier - NL - @biermortier, known for its iconic 51mm mortar bottle opener.
- Commercial Files: Valour Works offers a comprehensive digital package (STL files, parts list, instructions) for £20.00 for personal use.
- Community Designs: Platforms like Cults3D and MakerWorld host numerous designs, including free and paid options.
- V3 Model: The "Mortar beer opener V3" on MakerWorld is a popular free model with an improved lever and wider feet for better compatibility.
- Material Recommendation: For durability, PETG is recommended over PLA for functional parts.
- Specialized Versions: Models exist for various bottle sizes, including a "0.5l Biermörser" for German beers and even a version for Steinie bottles.
- Continuous Improvement: The designs are constantly updated based on user feedback, with features like adjustable levers and specific adapters.
The Evolution of the Mortar Bottle Opener
The 51mm mortar bottle opener originally burst onto the scene thanks to biermortier - NL - @biermortier, quickly becoming an iconic product. This desktop mortar uses gravity to effortlessly pop open beer bottles, and it’s especially compatible with certain Belgian, German, and craft beer varieties. While its core design prioritizes function, users should always glance over bottles for any glass damage after use.
Today, numerous platforms host files for 3D printing these distinctive bottle openers. Valour Works, a veteran-led company based in the UK, offers digital build files for their 51mm mortar bottle opener for £20.00. This comprehensive package includes the STL files, a parts list, and detailed instructions. You can grab these files from the Valour Works website, but remember, they’re strictly for personal enjoyment – no redistributing, reselling, or commercial production allowed. The Valour Works download also blesses you with all the necessary 3D STL files needed for printing, a full parts list, and step-by-step assembly instructions, ensuring a smooth build process.
Source: valourworks.co.uk
The Valour Works download package provides all the STL files, a full parts list, and step-by-step instructions for personal use.
Beyond Valour Works, the design has become a staple within 3D printing communities. Cults3D, a bustling platform boasting over 3.1 million models and a community of 233,000 designers, showcases multiple versions. Take the 0.33l Beer Mortar, for instance: it’s available as an STL file for just $17.41 and can be found on Cults3D. Designed by "beermortar," this specific model was first released on May 9, 2024, and last updated on December 25, 2025. Its 3D design comprises six files, thoughtfully including both STEP and STL formats. An upcoming update for the Beer Mortar, slated for December 2025, specifies that all dowel pins will transition to M4, and a community member named Max has already fine-tuned the uncorker design. These flexible STL files and specifications empower enthusiasts to tweak the design to perfectly fit regional beer bottles.
Community-Driven Enhancements and Free Models
The open-source spirit of 3D printing has truly fostered continuous improvement and adaptation. MakerWorld, another popular treasure trove for 3D printing models, hosts several mortar-style bottle openers, including a fantastic array of free options. You can dive into these models by exploring MakerWorld’s Enginerd profile. Among them, the "Mortar beer opener V3 (50cl and 33cl)" stands out as a notable free 3D print model, readily available on MakerWorld.
V3 Iteration and Recommended Materials
This V3 iteration isn't just an update – it’s a significant upgrade. It boasts an improved lever that now allows users to precisely select the type of beer bottle they’re popping open. The feet have also received a thoughtful enhancement, their diameter widened to ensure solid compatibility with most 500ml and 330ml beer bottles. For printing, robust materials like PETG are highly recommended, as PLA might compromise the long-term durability of these functional art pieces.
Source: makerworld.com
The V3 mortar beer opener from MakerWorld includes an improved lever and widened feet for compatibility with various 50cl and 33cl bottles.
Lever Adjustments and Design Changes
The V3 model’s lever features multiple strategically placed holes to accommodate various bottle heights:
| Bottle Type | Lever Hole Position |
|---|---|
| Taller 500ml Long Neck | Top hole |
| Slightly shorter 500ml | Second hole from the top |
| 23cm 330ml bottles | Third hole from the top |
| 330ml bottles (just under 23cm) | Last hole |
There’s even a handy reducer available for certain 330cl bottles if needed. Both the base and feet underwent significant design changes, including a larger angle of inclination, and additional feet along with a TPU print profile were integrated for better performance. The refined lever design eliminated the need for a lever screw, and the guide from the main support was gracefully removed, with the lever now elegantly positioned in its place. Ultimately, the V3 mortar bottle opener works by simply inserting the beer bottle, then letting gravity do its magic.
User Feedback and Potential Issues
User feedback on the V3 model overwhelmingly suggests that the 330ml reducer works effectively, which is great news. However, one user did report that the latest V3 model had a hiccup with 0.33l bottles, noting that the bottle would get annoyingly stuck. Another user chimed in with a helpful suggestion: the 0.33l adapter could stand to be a bit longer for American bottles, indicating room for regional adjustments.
0.5l Biermörser for German Beers
Beyond the versatile V3, a "0.5l Biermörser - deutsches Bier" model is also freely available on MakerWorld. This particular version currently works perfectly with 260mm beer bottles, such as the popular Tyskie. What’s more, an adapter for 0.33l German and Dutch beer bottles is thoughtfully included in its print profile. For this 0.5l model, a spring-less lever requires an M6 x 16 screw with a corresponding nut, while the spring-loaded variant needs a spring with an approximate 5.5mm inner diameter and a block length of no more than 4.5mm when compressed at 0.6mm wire thickness. To truly absorb impact, printing the feet and the "Bier Bouncer" (the collection area) in TPU is highly recommended. And for those with unique tastes, a version for Steinie bottles, measuring 71mm in diameter and 174mm in height (like Astra), also exists!
What is a mortar bottle opener?
A mortar bottle opener is a 3D-printed device designed to open beer bottles using gravity. You place the bottle into the "mortar" and let it drop, and the mechanism removes the cap.
Where can I find STL files for a mortar bottle opener?
You can find STL files on platforms like Valour Works (paid, with instructions), Cults3D (paid and some free options), and MakerWorld (many free models, including community-enhanced versions).
What materials are best for 3D printing a mortar bottle opener?
For durability and functionality, PETG or other robust materials are highly recommended. PLA might not withstand the forces involved as well, potentially leading to breakage over time.
Are there different versions for different bottle sizes?
Yes, many designs are available, including versions for 330ml, 500ml, and 0.5l bottles. Some models, like the V3, feature adjustable levers, and adapters are often available for specific regional bottle types.
Conclusion
The 3D printed mortar bottle opener stands as a brilliant testament to the ingenuity of the 3D printing community. What began as an innovative concept from biermortier - NL - @biermortier has blossomed into a diverse range of customizable and accessible designs. Whether you choose detailed, commercially available packages from companies like Valour Works or explore the numerous free, community-enhanced models on platforms such as Cults3D and MakerWorld, these gravity-fed openers offer a uniquely satisfying way to enjoy a cold beverage. This continuous development, fueled by user feedback and collaborative design, vividly underscores the dynamic potential of 3D printing to elevate even the most everyday items into something extraordinary.