Philips is launching a new program called Fixables, where it will make plans available so that customers can 3D print replacement parts for the company’s personal care products. The video introducing the initiative touts it as a simpler and easier way to extend the lifetimes of functional items rather than throwing them out because a single part or attachment is broken. Philips has partnered with Prusa Research and LePub on this endeavor, and Printables is hosting the plans.
There are some caveats and limitations to this concept. The quality of the replacement part will depend on the materials used to create it, and not every customer has a 3D printer at home. (Although some public library systems, universities and local maker communities may have equipment that can be used or rented on site.)
It’s also still a project in its early stages. Fixables is initially launching in the Czech Republic. On the website for the Fixables program (which is in Czech), Philips explains that it’s starting with the home country for Prusa Research and it is reaching out to the 3D printing company’s existing maker community for this project. Another sign that the initiative is still in the early stages is that there’s only one part plan available: a comb attachment for the OneBlade trimmer. But per Google Translate, two more plans are labeled as “We are working on it” and there are three different icons with no descriptions that point to additional plans. The Fixables website also has an option for customers to submit a request for parts they want to be able to 3D print.
So while Fixables is a long way from making a real dent in waste from personal care products, it’s exciting to see a major brand making a serious effort to explore the potential of 3D printing for better sustainability.
