Hoover is teaming up with MakerBot to give consumers the ability to create their own 3D-printed vacuum cleaner accessories. While 3D-printing technology hasn't yet been able to produce functional household appliances, these vacuum cleaner accessories -- the designs for which are freely available through 3D-printing marketplace Thingiverse -- are an important step forward.
The first pair of attachments to be offered in this manner are designed for the Air Cordless vacuum. The first attachment is designed to hold the extra lithium battery that comes with the vacuum cleaner, while the second acts as a flashlight mount.
Both attachment designers can be downloaded from Thingiverse before being printed off a 3D-printer.
Hoover isn't looking to stop here, far from it. The company says it is set to offer a new round of 3D-printable vacuum cleaner accessories and tools next spring.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- 3d-printing Household Accessories
- 3D-printing technology is progressing by offering consumers the ability to create their own vacuum cleaner accessories.
- Open-source 3d-printed Designs
- Open-source platforms like Thingiverse provide freely available designs for 3D-printed vacuum cleaner attachments, fostering collaborative innovation.
- Customizable and On-demand Products
- With the availability of 3D-printed vacuum cleaner accessories, consumers can create customized and on-demand solutions for their cleaning needs.
Where This Applies
- Manufacturing
- 3D printing in the manufacturing industry is disrupting the traditional supply chain by enabling production of customizable vacuum cleaner accessories on demand.
- Home Appliances
- The home appliances industry can explore opportunities to incorporate 3D-printed accessories into their product offerings, enhancing consumer customization and personalization.
- Digital Design and 3D Printing
- The digital design and 3D printing industries can benefit from the growth of 3D-printed vacuum cleaner accessories, encouraging innovation and collaboration in creating functional household products.
