Gillette, Formlabs pilot personalized 3-D printed razor handles
Gillette is taking personalization to a whole new level.
The Boston-based men’s grooming brand announced that it would be partnering with 3-D printing start-up Formlabs to pilot the Razor Maker, which offers consumers a series of customizable 3-D printed handles for razors.
“Gillette is in the business of helping men look, feel and be their best, and that means giving them access to grooming options that not only meet their shaving needs, but also match their lifestyle, look and budget,” Pankaj Bhalla, director of Gillette and Venus North America, said. “Earlier this year, we introduced a range of new razor products and declared that ‘one size’ does not fit all men when it comes to razors. The Razor Maker pilot furthers our commitment to place power in the hands of consumers and literally have them custom-make their razors exactly the way they want them — tailored to their grooming preference, budget, look, color and style. This is one of the many ways we are fulfilling our commitment to being The Best A Man Can Get.”
Each Razor Maker handle is printed at Gillette’s Boston headquarters using stereolithography, or SLA, printing technology from Formlabs, the company said.
Consumers can create their own 3-Dprinted razor by visiting the Razor Maker website and choosing from 48 designs, seven color options and the optional text. The handles can accommodate either the brand’s Mach3 or Fusion5 ProGilde razor cartridges.
“Mass customization with 3-D printing is finally becoming a reality for consumers to experience end-use printed products,” Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer at Formlabs, said. “Historically, 3-D printing has been involved in the development or manufacturing processes for most products people interact with every day, but consumers have had little interaction with 3-D printing itself. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gillette. These new custom razor handles are the next step towards changing that dynamic and getting 3-D printed products directly into the hands of consumers.”
The personalized orders are delivered in 2-to-3 weeks, and prices begin at $19 for a partially printed 3-D handle with a black rubberized grip, $25 for a fully 3-D printed handle, and $39 and $45 for chrome handles. Four additional cartridges also can be added on for $15.
The Boston-based men’s grooming brand announced that it would be partnering with 3-D printing start-up Formlabs to pilot the Razor Maker, which offers consumers a series of customizable 3-D printed handles for razors.
“Gillette is in the business of helping men look, feel and be their best, and that means giving them access to grooming options that not only meet their shaving needs, but also match their lifestyle, look and budget,” Pankaj Bhalla, director of Gillette and Venus North America, said. “Earlier this year, we introduced a range of new razor products and declared that ‘one size’ does not fit all men when it comes to razors. The Razor Maker pilot furthers our commitment to place power in the hands of consumers and literally have them custom-make their razors exactly the way they want them — tailored to their grooming preference, budget, look, color and style. This is one of the many ways we are fulfilling our commitment to being The Best A Man Can Get.”
Each Razor Maker handle is printed at Gillette’s Boston headquarters using stereolithography, or SLA, printing technology from Formlabs, the company said.
Consumers can create their own 3-Dprinted razor by visiting the Razor Maker website and choosing from 48 designs, seven color options and the optional text. The handles can accommodate either the brand’s Mach3 or Fusion5 ProGilde razor cartridges.
“Mass customization with 3-D printing is finally becoming a reality for consumers to experience end-use printed products,” Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer at Formlabs, said. “Historically, 3-D printing has been involved in the development or manufacturing processes for most products people interact with every day, but consumers have had little interaction with 3-D printing itself. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Gillette. These new custom razor handles are the next step towards changing that dynamic and getting 3-D printed products directly into the hands of consumers.”
The personalized orders are delivered in 2-to-3 weeks, and prices begin at $19 for a partially printed 3-D handle with a black rubberized grip, $25 for a fully 3-D printed handle, and $39 and $45 for chrome handles. Four additional cartridges also can be added on for $15.