Philips Fixables will allow you to 3D print alternative components in your electrical razors and trimmers

Philips is launching a brand new program known as Fixables, the place it would make plans obtainable in order that clients can 3D print alternative components for the corporate’s private care merchandise. The video introducing the initiative touts it as an easier and simpler technique to lengthen the lifetimes of purposeful objects somewhat than throwing them out as a result of a single half or attachment is damaged. Philips has partnered with Prusa Analysis and LePub on this endeavor, and Printables is internet hosting the plans.

There are some caveats and limitations to this idea. The standard of the alternative half will rely on the supplies used to create it, and never each buyer has a 3D printer at residence. (Though some public library methods, universities and native maker communities could have gear that can be utilized or rented on web site.)

It is also nonetheless a mission in its early levels. Fixables is initially launching within the Czech Republic. On the for the Fixables program (which is in Czech), Philips explains that it is beginning with the house nation for Prusa Analysis and it’s reaching out to the 3D printing firm’s present maker neighborhood for this mission. One other signal that the initiative continues to be within the early levels is that there is just one half plan obtainable: a comb attachment for the OneBlade trimmer. However per Google Translate, two extra plans are labeled as “We’re engaged on it” and there are three totally different icons with no descriptions that time to further plans. The Fixables web site additionally has an choice for patrons to submit a request for components they need to have the ability to 3D print.

So whereas Fixables is a great distance from making an actual dent in waste from private care merchandise, it is thrilling to see a serious model making a critical effort to discover the potential of 3D printing for higher sustainability.