Consumer Goods

How 3D Printing Allows You to Customize Consumer Goods

It is not easy today to provide a universal definition of consumer goods: from basic necessities such as the food we buy most regularly, to durable products such as cars or electronic devices, the list is long. One thing is for sure, these products are sold to the end consumer who is looking for a product that suits him and meets his desires. And if there’s one manufacturing method that offers customization options for consumer goods, it’s 3D printing. In some cases, it even allows the consumer to participate in the creation of the final object: for example, in the footwear industry, a sneaker is created after the wearer has scanned their feet.

Thanks to additive manufacturing, the consumer goods industry is able to offer custom-made products that are also more efficient, comfortable, aesthetic, and practical. This is where the added value of 3D printing lies: it improves the functionality of a product while respecting the needs of the end consumer. But how can it be used in practice? Let’s take a look at some examples in key sectors such as textiles, footwear, eyewear, cosmetics, sports and automotive. The list is not exhaustive, there are really many applications on the market!

Glasses tailored to your face and tastes

One of the most interesting customizations that 3D printing allows when it comes to consumer goods is the ability to tailor a product to your body. In the eyewear industry, customizing your prescription glasses or sunglasses with 3D printing means that, with a face scan, you can create a personalized and one-of-a-kind frame. The process is simple: manufacturers scan the customer’s face in 3D to collect biometric data. Then, using software, the customer can virtually try on the glasses and choose from a range of color and design options for the frames. The chosen glasses are then 3D printed. The advantage of using additive manufacturing in this area is to obtain a product in a short time, with more complex designs and lighter and stronger materials.

Additive Manufacturing in Custom Watchmaking

Another industry where 3D printing is enabling more customization is watchmaking. With the remarkable growth of 3D printing in recent years, many watch designers are turning to 3D printing to design and produce consumer goods faster while maintaining good quality. But why 3D printing? As in other industries we are witnessing, 3D technologies allow watchmakers to use fewer materials, thus minimizing waste and making their production a more sustainable process. Depending on the purpose and degree of customization sought by the consumer, it is necessary to use one additive manufacturing method or another.

3D Printed Shoes

When it comes to our shoes, the first thing to remember is the uniqueness of each foot, as well as the importance of fit and comfort. Especially the fact that there are countless foot shapes and sizes makes it extremely difficult for some people to find the right pair of shoes. This is where 3D printing comes in, which allows you to customise your shoes – and there are already a few examples that show how important it is for our feet!

3D Technologies in Cosmetics

One industry where you wouldn’t expect to see the presence of 3D technologies is cosmetics. However, it has started to make itself felt, especially for personalization. And this has been done in many different ways.

AM enables higher performance in sports

In recent years, additive manufacturing has proven time and time again how useful the technology can be for athletes. Equipment for any sport discipline can be customized to meet the needs of an athlete, offering higher levels of comfort. In addition, 3D printing can reduce the weight of equipment. This is especially beneficial in sports where speed is essential. Overall, then, the technology helps to improve performance.