Philips offers free 3D-printable replacement parts for products like the OneBlade

On Printables.com, Philips is currently building a collection of free replacement parts that users can print themselves. At the time this article was published, there were five print files available; there are now seven, and the number is expected to grow over time, as Philips plans to add more files to the collection in the future. But growth seems to be slow since we reported on the Fixables last year already with just one part available at the time.

This offering is the result of a collaboration between Philips and the 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research. Those who do not own a 3D printer can have the parts printed via an online service, at a public library with a 3D printer, or at local workshops. To do so, simply download the STL files and submit them to the appropriate service.

The range currently available consists primarily of Philips electric hair clippers and shavers. Among other items, there are various hair-cutting attachments, such as those for the Philips OneBlade (1–3 mm, 5 mm comb) or the Philips Clipper Comb (3–15 mm, 1–7 mm, 7–24 mm comb). Two protective caps for shavers are also currently listed. The material specified is standard PLA. Useful information on printer settings such as layer height, infill, etc., is also provided.

The base polymers of PLA do not actually contain any toxic substances such as PFAS; however, you should ensure that the manufacturer-specific PLA filaments are also free of harmful substances. A few manufacturers apparently mix such substances into their filaments.

Philips’ move with Fixables is certainly welcome; after all, it has the potential to extend the products’ lifespan. The account also notes that the community can get involved; some of the files are said to be (or will be in the future) inspired by user designs.