Nokia releases files for 3D printing Lumia 820 mobile phone cases News: mobile phone maker Nokia has released open-source files that will let Lumia 820 smartphone users 3D print their own customised case. Nokia has published mechanical drawings for the phone's back panel and shell that will allow users with access to a 3D printer to customise and print their own case. John Kneeland, community and developing marketing manager at Nokia, explained the move 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," he wrote. "In doing this, Nokia has become the first major phone company to begin embracing the 3D printing community and its incredible potential." "In the future, I envision wildly more modular and customisable phones," he continued. We also met with MakerBot CEO Bre Prettis, who told us that 3D printing would bring the factory back into the home – see all news about 3D printing.
Ronen Kadushin on Nokia and open design News: Nokia has become the first major manufacturer to give consumers access to its 3D design files so they can create their own versions of products, according to open design pioneer Ronen Kadushin. "I'm pretty sure they are first global company to have a go at open design," said Kadushin, following last week's news that the Finnish mobile phone brand released digital files allowing users to alter and 3D print their own shells for the Lumia 820 smartphone. Berlin-based designer Ronen Kadushin, who has been making open design templates freely available for download since 2005, says Nokia's move is timely. "I think they did it because they are in a business situation that pushes them to try this new model – not to make money, but to focus their brand identity as up-to-date and in tune with the 3D printing and maker culture," Kadushin told Dezeen. However, Kadushin doubts that Nokia will be able to control who downloads and uses their templates.