Coffee clip, borehole extractor and recyclable parts separator available for purchase at the click of a mouse

Service for customers who do not have a 3D printer

Start of cooperation with manufacturing specialist Replique

When Miele became the first domestic appliance manufacturer to offer 3D printed templates for accessories free of charge a year ago, the response exceeded all expectations. That is why the company is now offering an additional service: The most frequently accessed parts in the series are now also available ready-printed in Miele's online shop.

More than 66,000 downloads - that is the promising result since Miele made practical everyday helpers available as free 3D print templates in May 2020. Particularly popular were a coffee clip, a so-called valuable parts separator and a borehole extractor. With the coffee clip, the packaging can be conveniently resealed after opening - and the coffee itself can be easily dispensed thanks to an integrated twist cap. The valuables separator is a hoover attachment whose fine membrane structure prevents jewellery and other small objects from being sucked up, for example in handbags or drawers. The borehole extractor is also plugged onto the hoover, sticks firmly to the wall after it is switched on and safely sucks in the drilling dust that accumulates. "Because of the great success of these three simple but clever everyday helpers, we also offer these parts ready-printed in the Miele online shop," says David Buhl, 3D4U project manager at Miele's Bielefeld plant.

To do this, Miele uses the 3D printing platform from Replique, the Mannheim-based start-up of Chemovator GmbH, which in turn belongs to the BASF Group. Through digitally supported order processing, Replique enables access to 3D printing with minimal effort. The designs are stored on the innovative platform in a digital warehouse and are produced on order using 3D printing technologies. In addition, the start-up advises on material and technology selection. "We appreciate the cooperation because Replique has in-depth knowledge of the entire process and the right network to offer a turnkey solution," says David Buhl.

The accessories are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, and the printing processes are qualified to Miele's specifications and meet all quality standards. The coffee clip is also certified by the SGS Institut Fresenius for direct food contact. An expansion of the portfolio in the online shop is planned for this year. "To this end, we asked all Miele employees for their ideas. In total, we have a further five accessories on the shortlist which we intend to offer gradually," says David Buhl.

Customers who have their own 3D printer will of course still have the option of downloading print templates free of charge. Interested parties from the region can also have the parts printed at trade partner Euronics XXL in Gütersloh.
www.miele.com

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