Normal is one of the first companies to use additive manufacturing for large-scale customization, allowing customized earphones in as little as 48 hours
Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), a leading global provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, announced that custom earphone maker Normal is using Stratasys 3D Printers for mass customization of a consumer product.
Ordered through a free mobile app or from Normal's flagship in New York City, Normal earphones are customized to fit each user's ear, 3D printed, and typically shipped and delivered anywhere in the U.S. in as little as 48 hours. The company currently operates 10 Stratasys Fortus 250mc 3D Printers, manufacturing custom parts for the earphones using FDM 3D Printing Technology.
"We're excited to be able to create accessible, tailor-made earphones that sound incredible," explained Normal's Founder and CEO Nikki Kaufman. "We're using Stratasys' 3D printing technology to build a product that is completely personalized."
Each pair of earphones is engineered, 3D printed, assembled and shipped at Normal's flagship, which serves as their factory, headquarters and retail store. With 10 Stratasys 3D Printers lining the perimeter of the space, and a fully exposed assembly process, Normal encourages auditory, tactile and visual exploration of how Normal earphones or "Normals" are sculpted and built.
The alternative option for custom earphones involves a health care professional, silicon molds, several weeks waiting and a product that costs up to thousands of dollars. Using 3D printing, Normal is able to provide premium, custom-fitting earphones at a more accessible price and process. The 3D printed part of the earphones is made with ABSplus thermoplastic and available in seven custom colors. Normal currently sells the earphones in the U.S. for $199, including tax, shipping and a personalized carrying case.
"The implications of 3D printing for a company like Normal are huge. It's a game-changer for customized goods: the ushering in of a new era in manufacturing," said Stratasys' Vice President of Marketing, Bruce Bradshaw. "Today, companies can offer consumers customized products, in a time-efficient manner, made possible with 3D printing."
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