Innovative tech enthusiast Ken Pillonel, known for his work with the first USB-C port installation on an iPhone X, has set his sights on a new challenge: enhancing the repairability of Apple's AirPods Pro.
Despite their premium features, the AirPods Pro received a dismal 0/10 repairability score from iFixit. Pillonel, however, has ingeniously crafted a solution that not only makes repair feasible but also allows for personalization!
Repairing the AirPods Pro
In a time when sleek design in tech often overshadows practicality, Pillonel's approach is refreshingly pragmatic. Following iFixit's verdict on the AirPods Pro's "non-modular, glued-together design" that makes attempting to repair "impractical and uneconomical" Pillonel offers a solution.
Drawing on his 3D printing expertise, he has managed to bring a much-needed repair kit to the table. Taking a cue from his earlier successes remaking the Apple design, Pillonel recreated the plastic components of the AirPods Pro case and produced a complete replacement kit through 3D printing technology.
This accomplishment not only provides a repair solution but opens the door for users to personalize their AirPods Pro cases in various colors, transforming the utilitarian white into a spectrum of options.
DIY AirPods Pro Repair Kit
Pillonel's method, detailed meticulously in step-by-step instructions on his blog, demystifies the seemingly complex process.
Starting with downloading the necessary files, followed by importing STL files into slicing software (such as Preform), Pillonel guides users through the intricacies of 3D printing.
While alternatives exist, Formlabs Clear Resin is Pillonel's recommended choice, complementing the Formlabs Form 3+ printer for optimal results. This choice is justified by the intricacies involved in configuring other printers, which may compromise both time and quality.
The post-printing steps are pivotal for achieving the desired results. Ensuring the cleanliness of parts through the use of fresh IPA and thorough drying via compressed air prevents resin contamination and subpar outcomes. Curing the components adheres strictly to manufacturer guidelines, guaranteeing the integrity of the parts.
The heart of Pillonel's process lies in the delicate art of sanding and varnishing. With diligence akin to a craftsman refining a masterpiece, each part undergoes a gradual sanding process using ascending grit levels, 600, 800, and 1000 to achieve a polished finish.
Pillonel's pro tip of dipping parts in tap water during sanding not only aids in cleanliness but also offers a gauge for progress assessment.
The transformative step is applying clear spray varnish to the sanded parts. Through meticulous execution of the sanding process, this final touch turns the once-opaque parts into marvels of transparency.
Pillonel's method levels the playing field, allowing users to attain professional results without compromising clarity.
In a tech world characterized by disposability, Pillonel's work is a beacon of sustainability and empowerment. "If some guy in his apartment can do it, why can't Apple?" Pillonel notes in one of his blogs.
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