Jan 21, 2016 | By Kira
We are quickly entering the era of mass personalized manufacturing, and electronics giant Philips, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, wants to be at the forefront. Pioneering not only the future of consumer goods manufacturing, but also the future of shaving, Philips is offering 125 lucky people the chance to design, personalize and purchase the world’s first 3D printed electric face shaver.
As part of a pilot project being launched today, the Dutch-based company has launched a 3DShaver website, where users in the Netherlands can select from two ergonomic handle designs, and then customize their 3D printed shaver with various dimensions, accessories and colors—they can even have a personal message written on the top. Then it’s as easy as registering, placing your order, paying €99 (incl. VAT), and waiting 2-3 weeks for the 3D printed shaver to be sent.
Dutch-company Twikit designed and is hosting Philips' 3D Shaver online configuration tool, an intuitive, step-by-step way for users to select and customize their 3D design. Meanwhile, Shapeways has stepped up to offer their top-of-the-line, SLS 3D printing technology to manufacture each individual 3D printed shaver.
Philips is already known for offering a complete range of high-quality men’s electric face shavers, with multi-precision blades that offer clean, close, and ultra-smooth shaves. Each 3D printed shaver thus offers a fully washable, multi-precision blade system, 5-direction flex heads, and ‘Super Lift & Cut Action.’ Users are also able to select from two different accessories, either a beard styler or precision trimmer, depending on their grooming needs. Finally, Philips’ 2-year warranty is included, ensuring that customers will be happy with their purchase no matter what.
Of course, since this is a pilot project—and the first consumer electric 3D printed shaver we know of to date—Philips is still taking things one step at a time. For now, only 125 units of this limited edition 3D printed face shaver will be available (to mark the celebration of their 125th anniversary in May), and over the next six months, a maximum of two will be shipped out each day. The exclusive launch is also only available to consumers in the Netherlands.
However, this very limited pilot approach seems to be Philips’ way of making sure they do everything right. The company intends to stay in touch with its initial 125-member consumer base in order to record useful feedback and reactions. If all goes well, we can hope for a larger, potentially global launch.
We are still patiently waiting for the day that 3D printing technology will become a part of our daily lives, and in launching the first ever consumer 3D printed electric face shaver—an essential part of many people's daily routines—Philips is taking a bold step towards making that a reality.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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