Google has stepped into the world of 3D printing in a big way.
The company announced a program to enable users to 3D print their own custom bands for the Google Fitbit Air fitness system.
The Google Fitbit Air straps to your wrist and contains a series of sensors. These are used in conjunction with apps to monitor your fitness activity throughout the day.
This is a little different than the consumer 3D printing options opened by some other manufacturers. While those earlier ventures involved providing the final 3D model options for customers to print, here Google is not doing so.
Instead, Google is providing the specifications so that customers can design their own band from scratch.
In fact, the drawings provided are only 2D! Designers will be able to use the dimensions in those drawings to figure out how the key parts will fit into their own band design. See the image at the top for an excerpt from one of the drawings.
Google does provide some further advice.
They say that the sensors must have a certain amount of clearance in order for them to function properly. This means that the band designer will have to carefully plan the spacing.
Google also recommends the use of materials that are suitable for long-term skin contact. They list a rather long list of restrictions, most of which are not applicable to 3D print materials. Remember, this program is not just for 3D printed bands, but could be for any manufacturing process.
In fact, Google seems to encourage designers to sell their bands. I think the idea here is to drive up Fitbit sales by creating an ecosystem of very cool alternative bands.
Of course, we will be watching the 3D printed band designs as they pop up.
Via Google
