Additive Manufacturing to Revitalize Aging Classics

The proliferation of low-cost additive manufacturing systems has helped to create a unique scenario in the market. In the past, consumers and manufacturers created products that were built to last. As part of that approach, they ensured that there was a means for regular owners to repair their items directly. Now, more than ever, consumers seek to revitalize aging classics and keep their favorite products going long into the future.

Why Many Products Aren’t Repairable Anymore

Over the last few decades, the desire of consumers to repair their items hasn’t waned, but the opportunities they have to repair their favorite products have diminished. The majority of today’s electronics aren’t meant to be repaired. Instead, they are designed to operate for a certain amount of time and then be discarded.

This approach has led to serious environmental and health risks as e-waste continues to fill up landfills globally. So what shifted? It appears that the manufacturers began realizing that it would be better for their bottom line if the consumer needed to buy a new product rather than fix it.

Reparability Adds Value

This short-sighted approach to consumer electronics has led to a flood of garbage devices that have cheap components that can fail without notice. Even the best high-end products may contain parts designed to fail on purpose after a certain amount of time.

Sadly, it took decades before manufacturers realized that their deliberate obsolescence strategy only hurt their brand. Today’s consumers are wise to this strategy and how it can result in major losses for the owner, usually over trivial malfunctions. The problem is that without support from manufacturers, the average person can’t get the repair components needed to fix their products.

The Right to Repair: Revitalizing Aging Classics

The issue has gotten so bad over the last decade that it has sparked a heated debate over the right to repair devices. Companies like Apple go to great lengths to make it difficult to open and repair their items, with the hope that the consumer will purchase a new phone rather than repair their old device. Worst of all, their new devices don’t offer any meaningful upgrades.

Lately, there has been a shift in momentum for companies that support repairable hardware. This year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 2963 into law. This legislation protects citizens’ right to repair by ensuring that manufacturers provide adequate instructions, repair parts, and support for consumers seeking to fix broken items.

This law is just one of many that have begun receiving support across the nation. Many people see this movement as a vital component of the right to restore movement and an essential step in restoring the balance between intellectual property and individual property rights.

Additive Manufacturing Changes Everything

One of the reasons why the right to repair movement has seen a shift in momentum is the introduction of low-cost and readily available 3D printers. These devices allow customers to create rare and old production parts as needed. This approach allows repairers to update and upgrade their favorite products despite their production run ending and product availability being non-existent.

Companies Embracing Additive Manufacturing for Repairs

The list of companies supporting the right to repair continues to grow longer every month. These firms have made the proper maneuvers and offered the support needed to demonstrate they are genuinely committed to the right-to-repair movement.

Honda (HMC -0.98%)

One area where you may not realize the right to repair is in danger is in the automotive industry. Unlike some of the computer and tech products on this list, certain cars will always be worth repairing. Older vehicles that are considered collector’s items are a prime example of how a product beloved by collectors can become nearly impossible to service as it ages.

Recognizing these limitations, Honda has made the wise decision to back the right to repair community and those who have supported the brand for years. Their new strategy is to research new manufacturing and procurement methods in order to supply this demand.

Source – Classic

Revitalize Aging Classics

The company’s first venture will focus on the original Acura NSX. This game-changing vehicle was Honda’s 90s supercar killer. Sleek lines and a twin-turbo V6 ensured that the Acura NSX was destined for stardom. Now, +30 years after it launched, it’s become nearly impossible to find parts for this collectible.

Honda has stated that it will start seeking out and offering genuine compatible parts and part printing information to consumers. This strategy is meant to ensure that the NSX remains roadworthy well into the future. This approach makes sense as it helps to showcase Honda’s quality, branding, and commitment to its customers.

iFixit

iFixit is an online platform dedicated to the right to repair community. Here, self-repairers can find crucial data on a huge selection of electronics. You can find original manuals, repair guides, tips, and even where to get parts for your aging and favorite electronics.  Best of all, iFixit repair instructions are available in many languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Korean, and Japanese.

All of these factors have helped iFixit secure a reputation as a leading self-repair community. Their goal to make electronic repairs more straightforward and accessible has proven successful. Now, iFixit has carved out a niche as a go-to location for anyone seeking more info on repairing their devices.

Logitech (LOGI -2.74%)

The computer device manufacturer Logitech has joined the right to repair movement with its latest partnership. The company announced that it would support the repair of its most popular older products by providing detailed data and manuals on ifixit.com.

According to company documentation. This information will cover a large number of mice, keyboards, and headsets provided by the company. In total, Logitech has posted replacement parts and guides for +20 devices to date. This maneuver should help to keep many of these items out of trash heaps in the future.

Microsoft (MSFT -2.51%)

Microsoft is another major firm partnered with iFixit.com. The computer giant recently added repair manuals, parts, and guides for their Surface series of tablet laptops. These devices, which have been a favorite among bloggers and users on the go, have begun to age but remain relevant to their many fans.

The Surface Laptop is a tablet that runs the full Windows operating system. This mini computer allows users to enjoy the flexibility and portability of a tablet, combined with the ability to run full Windows programs like Office 365 and more. Adding access to parts and repair manuals will help to ensure the Surface remains operational into the future, as most users only need it for particular tasks.

Xbox – Revitalize Aging Classics

The original XBOX is one of Microsoft’s most beloved products. For those who are into nostalgic gaming, the original XBOX is an essential item to own. Sadly, this device is now decades old, and finding repair parts has become much more difficult over the last 5 years.

Microsoft announced that it will start offering official repair parts for Xbox Series and Xbox Series X consoles as part of this strategy. The company will list several new part stores that offer comparable replacement components, alongside key installation guides.

Notably, the firm has also listed repair guides for their controllers, which is a big plus, as there are mountains of these devices that have been discarded due to tiny errors like broken charging ports or unresponsive buttons. This cost-feasible approach has already seen success as XBOX supporters continue to download and purchase repair parts.

Not all Roses

Notably, some of Microsoft’s offerings seem a bit insincere. For example, the company has listed the prices of a new motherboard at more than the cost of buying a new XBOX. These factors still show a desire by the manufacturer to try and coerce users not to buy new products and push their bottom line over repairing older devices.

Philips Fixables (PHG -1.33%)

The electronics giant Philips entered the right-to-repair market with a splash this year. The company recently announced a self-repair campaign that allows users to 3d print parts and components rather than buy them. This strategy steps further away from the company attempting to manipulate funding from users and instead, focuses on demonstrating product support and building brand image.

The new program has begun with a 3D-printed comb that can fit onto a Philips electric shaver. The 3D printing directions include everything that consumers need to complete the build. The information is now available on Printables.com.

In the future, Philips will continue to list parts, addons, and replacements for their products on this webpage with the goal of providing a valuable library of info to consumers. Printables also includes several other 3D printing projects like pot holders, FPV drones, and keychains.

3D Printing is the Key to Revitalizing Aging Classics

It’s easy to see how 3D printing enables consumers to create rare and often impossible-to-obtain replacement parts for their favorite products. Now, manufacturers have begun to take note that repairability adds to the value of their products and their overall brand name. To this extent, you can expect to see more companies join the right to repair movement in the coming months as competition increases and they look for ways to stand out in the crowded market. Investors should watch companies that enable affordable 3D printing and sustainable spare parts as this trend expands the circular economy.

Learn about other cool additive manufacturing strategies here.