Philips Celebrates 125th Anniversary with Pilot Program for 125 3D Printed Shavers, Designed by Consumers

After my teenage son, who just started shaving, announced to me again that he was really tired of using my pink razor, I thought I’d pop into a large store quickly to pick up some more appropriate shavers. What a shock when I arrived onto the appropriate aisle, only to see every that every razor selection-even the most inexpensive–were locked, behind big glass doors. Yes, these items are considered so popular and valuable that they must be tucked away from shoplifters. That’s an eye-opener: many will go to any length to get their hair-removal device.

Philips is offering what sounds like a great new pilot program–and no policing from locked doors on this front, as you customize your very own 3D printed, personalized electric shaver. This program is a celebration of the Netherlands-based company that has been in business for 125 years, ‘guided and inspired by their vision.’ That outlook is taking the lighting and electronics company into the future indeed, with the idea that many of our household products will probably be made–and customized–with 3D printing. Razors are an item that we have seen 3D printed previously from your basic designer shaver  to a more old-fashioned straight-edge. They can be fairly easily designed, made to fit, and mass produced–while compatible with standard blades.

If you are in the Netherlands and would like one of these from Philips, however, you’ll have to jump on the opportunity right away as they are only creating 125 in the next six months and the clock is ticking as they will sell only two per day of these limited editions. Not only can you be the first to own one, but you will be completely responsible for designing it in terms of its shape, size, dimensions, color, and even accessories. The 3D printed shavers are priced at €99, and that includes shipping to the Netherlands.

“The 3D printing industry is fast evolving; it’s seen as an innovation which will transform the manufacturing industry by allowing for maximum customization through which, in the end, consumers like you will be the designers!” state the Philips team on their webpage.

“If you want take part in shaping the future of manufacturing, this is your opportunity. Become the proud owner of your own personalized shaver, and amongst the first to own such a device. Share all your thoughts and comments with us, and play an important part in the future development of our industry.”

It’s very simple, and certainly looks like a lot of fun. Just enter the Philips site, choose your design, and personalize it. Finish up by choosing your electric shaping accessories in the form of either a beard styler or a precision trimming tool. The Philips team will then have your razor 3D printed via Shapeways using SLS technology, and will ship your new shaver to you in the Netherlands within two to three weeks. There is even a 60-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like it for some reason.

The Royal Philips company is much more diversified than many realize, focusing on designs and innovation not just in lighting and electronics, but also healthcare and consumer lifestyles. They offer products in cardiac care, acute care, as well as homecare, and in energy-efficient lighting solutions, and now–shaving, grooming, and oral healthcare. Discuss your thoughts on this new product in the Philips 3D Printed Shaver forum over at 3DPB.com.