How 3D Printing Allows for Customizable Consumer Goods

It is not easy today to provide a universal definition of a consumer good: from basic necessities such as food that we purchase more 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 final consumer who is on the hunt for a product that suits them and fits their desires. And if there is a manufacturing method that offers customization options for consumer goods, it is 3D printing. In some cases, it even allows the consumer to participate in the creation of the final object – for example, in the shoe industry, a sneaker is created after the wearer scans his or her feet.

Thanks to additive manufacturing, the consumer goods sector can 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 industries such as textiles, footwear, eyewear, cosmetics, sports and automotive. The list is not exhaustive, there are indeed many applications on the market!

Glasses Customized to Your Face and Tastes

One of the most exciting customizations that 3D printing allows when it comes to consumer goods is being able to tailor a product to one’s body. In the eyewear industry, customizing your own eyeglasses or sunglasses with 3D printing means that, with a scan of your face, you can create a custom, one-of-a-kind frame. Eyewear manufacturers offering this technology are, for example, the Spanish company Horizons Optical or the German company Youmawo. The process is simple. Both 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, in the case of Horizons Optical using HP’s MJF technology, while Youmawo relies on EOS’s SLS technology. The advantage of using additive manufacturing in this area is to obtain a product in a short time, with more complex designs and lighter, stronger materials.