Finally, you can now 3D print your own parts to repair the products you buy - and I genuinely hope other companies follow Philips' lead

Date:
Wed, 14 May 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Description:
Philips Fixables lets customers 3D print replacement parts at home, but early rollout and unclear limits raise questions about the practicality and long-term impact of the program.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Philips Fixables opens the door to DIY repairs with a program built around 3D
printing files One tiny 3D printed part might mark a big shift in how repairs are done Dont get too excited, only one part is available, and its not widely accessible yet

Philips has launched an initiative called Philips Fixables, a program that allows customers to download and 3D print replacement parts for certain products.

According to Tom's Hardware , this is an early-stage effort with a limited rollout so far, but one that signals broader changes in how tech companies
may begin supporting product longevity.

The project is currently being piloted in the Czech Republic, where Philips
is collaborating with Prusa Research and LePub. A rare move toward
open-source repair

At present, the program includes just one part - a 3mm comb attachment for a Philips shaver - but the company says additional components will be added
over time.

To print a compatible part, customers will download the corresponding file from Printables.com , a platform widely used by hobbyists and makers.

While the best 3D printers can replicate intricate parts with impressive accuracy, successful results will depend heavily on users following Philipss recommended print settings. The company warns that deviations, such as reducing infill to save time or filament, could result in weaker or unusable parts.

As with any new idea, it remains to be seen whether this will succeed in practice. Users may end up printing inferior parts that repeatedly fail, leading to frustration rather than effective repairs.

Its also unclear how quickly Philips will expand the program or what types of components will be included next.

The Philips Fixables website allows customers to request specific parts. If approved, Philips says it will notify users when those parts become available for download.

However, theres currently no public timeline for turnaround, nor are there transparent criteria for determining which parts will be accepted. That may limit the programs usefulness in its early form.

Still, the move is noteworthy. In an era where the best 3D printers and laser engravers are often restricted by proprietary ecosystems, offering
open-source repair files, even in a limited capacity, is rare.

This initiative echoes recent efforts by other companies, such as Logitechs partnership with iFixit, which also champions repair over replacement. You might also like Watch the worlds biggest 3D printer make a 25-foot boat Is this the fastest 3D printer ever made? GlobalX airline helping Trump deportations hit by cyberattack



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/finally-you-can-no w-3d-print-your-own-parts-to-repair-the-products-you-buy-and-i-genuinely-hope- other-companies-follow-philipss-lead


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