Philips launches Fixables to provide customers with 3D printed replacement parts for its products

In a bid to prevent its products from ending up in landfills due to a broken part or missing accessory, Philips has announced 'Fixables', an open access platform where owners of its personal health products can download the printable file for a broken or missing part and then use a 3D printer to print it.

The plan is for Fixables to house a collection of 3D printable parts for Philips products. As at the time of writing, the Fixables website only has one part which is a 1-3mm comb for the Philips OneBlade. The printables page for a part has key information needed for the print such as the duration the print will take; the material to use - PLA in this case; and the layer height. The page also shows silhouettes of two upcoming parts — a 7-24mm comb and a 3-15mm comb for a Philips clipper.

Philips says it will also accept requests from users for parts they need but haven't been uploaded yet. However, 3D printed parts won't be a replacement for original parts. Considering many customers have complained about the cost of getting an original part and how long it sometimes takes to arrive, one can expect a fair number of people will opt for 3D printing a part.

Philips Fixables has made its debut first in the Czech Republic and that's because its partner for the project, Pura Research, is based in the Czech Republic. Pura Research is a company known for developing 3D printing solutions. The project is currently in its pilot phase, and Philips says that if it is successful, then it will be expanded to other countries. It is also extending an invitation to repairers and 3D printing enthusiasts to help with the project.