After spending a day laboriously writing away, there’s no better way to wash away the daily troubles than with an ice cold beer. Whether it’s a craft beer or a good old fashioned Budweiser, the goal remains the same – to unwind, relax, and alleviate whatever struggles we may have encountered throughout the day. Believe it or not, 3D printing technology has already brought about some intriguing tools for the beer drinkers of the world. We’ve seen 3D printed beer locks, a pouring device, and even a 3D printing filament that is made from beer, and now one craft beer producer is using the emerging technology for a unique marketing strategy.
The Dublin-based premium craft beer company Hope Beer has recently enlisted the help of Mcor Technologies, a full-color and eco-friendly 3D printer manufacturer based out of Louth, Ireland. Started by the husband and wife tandem of Wim de Jongh and Jeanne Mahony, Hope Beer set out to connect with their customers in a more engaging and appreciative way, and so they turned to Mcor to help bring their brand to the 3D printing stage. In a relatively crowded craft beer industry, Hope Beer implemented 3D printing technology into their product in order to set themselves apart from their competition.
To do this, Mcor Technologies helped to 3D print the “HO” letters of Hope Beer’s logo, which has a naval-influence design, appearing as a ship anchor. Not only did Hope Beer have 3D printed logos, but they also functioned as novelty bottle openers, giving their consumers a personalized experience to go along with their frothy brew.
“Mcor Technologies created a 3D version of our logo and transformed it into a bottle opener. Our company has benefited hugely from having a logo that we can touch and use as well as look at and the fact that it is printed in 3D adds an extra ‘coolness’ factor,” said de Jongh.
The bottle opener was designed in SolidWorks, and was then colored in Mcor Technologies’ ColourIT software, which helped to bring even more personality to the logo. The bottle opener served as a functional giveaway item, so it was vital to Hope Beer that they find a cost effective way to distribute their brand, which Mcor was more than able to offer. Utilizing their full-color, paper-based 3D printing technology, which is known across the industry for its affordability, safety, and eco-friendliness, Mcor Technologies was able to produce the 3D printed bottle openers at a fraction of the price that other 3D printing technologies could offer.
Attempting to provide their customers with something that set them apart from the other craft brew producers, Hope Beer was able to create a brand enhancing product that also functions as a bottle opener. This collaboration is a prime example of how implementing 3D printing technology into marketing and brand development can go a long way with customers, and is particularly useful in products that require customization or will be made-to-order. Whether you prefer a simple domestic beer or a complex international craft brew, 3D printing technology continues to prove itself as a helpful companion for all of your drinking endeavors. Interested in the idea of a 3D printed bottle opener? Discuss over in the 3D printed Hope Beer Bottle Opener forum thread at 3DPB.com.
