Nokia Releases 3D-Printing Kit for Lumia 820 Cases

Nokia Releases 3D-Printing Kit for Lumia 820 Cases

Nokia has released a 3D-printing kit that will allow those with a 3D printer to create their own case for the Lumia 820.

The Nokia Lumia 820, unveiled in September, includes removable shell cases that let users switch up the color of their phone or enable things like wireless charging. But if you'd prefer to make your own case, Nokia's 3D-printing kit is the answer.

"Nokia's 3D printing community project is a simple concept with exciting potential," John Kneeland, a Nokia community and developer marketing manager, said in a blog post. "We are going to release 3D templates, case specs, recommended materials and best practices — everything someone versed in 3D printing needs to print their own custom Lumia 820 case. We refer to these files and docum ents collectively as a 3D-printing Development Kit, or 3DK for short."

Kneeland said the move makes Nokia the "first major phone company to begin embracing the 3D printing community."

He suggested that 3D printing is the "spiritual successor to the great granddaddy of customizable phones, the Nokia 5110 and its rainbow collection of removable faceplates." (below)

With 3D printing, Nokia can more easily embrace "rapid prototyping," Kneeland said. "In the future, I envision wildly more modular and customizable phones," he said. "Perhaps in addition to our own beautifully designed phones, we could sell some kind of phone template, and entrepreneurs the world over could build a local business on building phones precisely tailored to the needs of his or her local community."

"You want a waterproof, glow-in-the-dark phone with a bottle-opener and a solar charger? Someone can build it for you—or you can print it yourself!

" he suggested.

Traditionally, mobile entrepreneurs have had to focus on the software due to manufacturing constraints, but 3D printing can open up a new world of gadget possibilities, Kneeland said.

3D printing is still in its infancy, thanks in large part to high prices. In September, MakerBot unveiled its next-gen 3D printer, which will set you back $2,199. Cheaper options are available, but assembly can sometimes be a hassle for the average consumer. If you want to see 3D printing in action, however, MakerBot has a new store in New York City, while the 3DEA pop-up store in Manhattan let people get some hands-on time with 3D printers. In November, meanwhile, Staples announced that it would offer in-store 3D printing, but only in the Netherlands and Belgium to start.

For more, see The Making of A 3D Printer and 3D Printing: What You Need to Know.

Also check out PCMag's review of the Nokia Lumia 820.

For more from Chloe, follow her on Twitter @ChloeAlbanesius.