- Fixable Philips opens the door to DIY repairs with a program built around 3D print files
- A small 3D printed part could mark a great change in how repairs are made
- Do not get too emotions, just a part is available, and it is not yet widely accessible
Philips has launched an initiative called Philips Fixible, a program that allows customers to download and 3D printing parts for certain products.
According to Tom hardware, this is an early stage effort with a limited deployment so far, but indicating broader changes in the way in which technology companies can begin to support the longevity of the product.
The project is currently piloting in the Czech Republic, where Philips is collaborating with Prusa Research and Lepub.
A rare movement towards open source repair
At present, the program includes only one part, a 3 mm attached file for a philips razor, but the company says that additional components will be added over time.
To print a compatible part, customers will download the corresponding file from Printable.coma platform widely used by fans and manufacturers.
While the best 3D printers can replicate intricate parts with impressive precision, successful results will depend largely on users who follow the recommended philips print configuration. The company warns that deviations, such as reducing the filling to save time or filament, could lead to weaker or unusable pieces.
As with any new idea, it remains to be seen if this will succeed in practice. Users may end up printing lower pieces that fail repeatedly, which leads to frustration instead of effective repairs.
Nor is it clear how fast Philips will expand the program or what types of components will be included below.
The fixable Philips website allows customers to request specific parts. If approved, Philips says it will notify users when those parts are available to download.
However, there is currently no public timeline for change, nor are there transparent criteria to determine which parties will be accepted. That can limit the usefulness of the program at an early form.
Even so, the movement is remarkable. In an era in which the best 3D printers and laser recorders are often restricted by patented ecosystems, which offer open source repair files, even in a limited capacity, it is rare.
This initiative echoes the recent efforts of other companies, such as the Logitech association with Iphixit, which also defends the replacement repair.
