Together with 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research, Philips is launching a pilot project that gives users the opportunity to print out certain spare parts for Philips products themselves. The first data set is available on the 3D model platform Printables under the name “Philips Fixables”. The offer is currently limited to a comb attachment for the Philips OneBlade shaver. Other spare parts could follow.
Philips sees the collaboration with Prusa as a decisive factor for the quality assurance of the files provided. To enable long-lasting and functional use, recommendations on printing materials and print settings are provided in addition to the STL files. The models are available under an open license and can be downloaded free of charge without registration.
The aim of the initiative is to promote repair and extend the service life of small appliances. According to data from the British initiative Recycle Your Electricals, over 100,000 tons of electrical appliances are disposed of every year in the UK alone – many of which could have been repaired. The focus here is on so-called “FastTech” products such as cables, decorative lights or hand fans, which break quickly and are often thrown away. Philips refers to a survey according to which 77 percent of Europeans would rather repair than buy new.
The project is initially being tested in the Czech Republic, where Prusa is based. However, Philips plans to include other countries if it is successful and to expand the range of spare parts. Contributions from the 3D printing community will also help to expand the portfolio.
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