Philips has introduced a brand new initiative that can let customers 3D print their very own replacements for small however important elements included with a lot of its private well being merchandise. Philips Fixables is launching within the Czech Republic, the place Prusa Research, the corporate’s companion for the initiative, relies. But the precise information that may be downloaded and 3D printed are being freely shared by way of the Printables platform, which is accessible globally.
You nonetheless can’t 3D print your self a brand new beard trimmer if it breaks or the battery dies, however for equipment like a reducing information, Philips Fixables will give some customers a substitute for looking for a substitute domestically or have one shipped out. Being capable of instantly repair your trimmer might also make it much less interesting to throw away and substitute a superbly good system.
Philips says it’s working with Prusa Research to make sure the 3D printed substitute elements it designs and releases meet the corporate’s requirements for high quality and security. But it additionally factors out that the sturdiness and performance of the replacements will depend upon customers sticking to the 3D printing materials and tips the corporate recommends.
There’s at the moment only one substitute half accessible from Philips on Printables: a small adjustable comb designed to connect to its OneBlade trimmer. The firm recommends the usage of customary PLA filament and advises customers to print the half utilizing the identical orientation it has within the unique file, which doesn’t require the usage of any added helps. Modifying the file to cut back the quantity of filament it wants or lower print occasions might compromise its sturdiness.
It’s a welcome initiative, however one which’s solely going to lead to significant enhancements to sustainability if the corporate follows by way of and releases greater than only a single accent. Philips is teasing extra 3D printable elements, together with adjustable guides for beard trimmers and elements for gadgets like electrical toothbrushes and hair dryers, however doesn’t specify after they’ll be accessible. It additionally gives a kind the place customers can particularly request a 3D printable different to a selected half, however it doesn’t assure one can be created, or specify how lengthy it is going to take for one to be launched after present process high quality management testing.
