Philips has introduced a brand new initiative that can let customers 3D print their very own replacements for small however important elements included with lots of its private well being merchandise. Philips Fixables is launching within the Czech Republic, the place Prusa Analysis, the corporate’s accomplice for the initiative, relies. However the precise information that may be downloaded and 3D printed are being freely shared through the Printables platform, which is accessible globally.
You continue to can’t 3D print your self a brand new beard trimmer if it breaks or the battery dies, however for equipment like a slicing information, Philips Fixables will give some customers an alternative choice to looking for a substitute domestically or have one shipped out. With the ability to instantly repair your trimmer may make it much less interesting to throw away and exchange a superbly good machine.
Philips says it’s working with Prusa Analysis to make sure the 3D printed substitute elements it designs and releases meet the corporate’s requirements for high quality and security. Nevertheless it additionally factors out that the sturdiness and performance of the replacements will rely on customers sticking to the 3D printing materials and tips the corporate recommends.
There’s presently only one substitute half accessible from Philips on Printables: a small adjustable comb designed to connect to its OneBlade trimmer. The corporate recommends using normal PLA filament and advises customers to print the half utilizing the identical orientation it has within the unique file, which doesn’t require using any added helps. Modifying the file to scale back the quantity of filament it wants or lower print instances might compromise its sturdiness.
It’s a welcome initiative, however one which’s solely going to end in significant enhancements to sustainability if the corporate follows by means of and releases greater than only a single accent. Philips is teasing further 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 particular half, nevertheless it doesn’t assure one will probably be created, or specify how lengthy it should take for one to be launched after present process high quality management testing.