RPL Bottle Openers

Designed & Manufactured by CSU Students
The Rapid Prototyping Laboratory designed and started manufacturing these billet aluminum bottle openers in very small quantities back in 2018 when the RPL was known as R3D3. Over the years, with multiple variations in design and programming, changes in machinery, and increased knowledge of the equipment and craft, the lab has mastered the process of manufacturing this tool. 
With Fort Collins, Colorado being known for as the Napa Valley of Craft Beers, we wanted to put our own spin on a bottle opener. Thinking robust, sleek, and efficient; we designed this chunky aluminum opener to grab your eye with the mirror finish matched with diagonal machining lines. Along with the bold edges around the bottle opener, engraving on each side, and the final shine when its done. 

The Process

 

  • 6061 Aluminum bar stock – 6.00″ x 1.25″ x 1.00″
 
  • Starting point for every bottle opener
 
  • Machinable out of Stainless or Titanium
  •  The CSU side is done first to ensure the most important logo is perfect
 
  • Requires five different operations to complete (10 mins)
 
  • Completes one half of the finished bottle opener
  •  The RPL side follows, with a simple flip into a new vice
 
  • Requires five different operations to complete (8 mins)
 
  • Completes the bottle opener and almost ready to use
  • Clean with soap + water to remove contaminants
 
  • Polish bottle openers and package them up
 
  • Ready to pop bottle caps and raise a cold one
More Photos