WhatA searchable database and on-demand manufacturing service that aggregates open-source CAD files from discontinued and current hardware, letting consumers order exact-fit replacement parts.
SignalMultiple commenters expressed strong frustration about throwing away devices over a single broken plastic part and excitement about the idea that open CAD files could let anyone print exact replacements or even improved versions of fragile components.
Why NowHardware manufacturers are beginning to release CAD files under open licenses, EU right-to-repair regulations are pressuring companies to support repairability, and consumer-grade 3D printing has matured enough for functional parts.
MarketConsumer electronics repair market (~$50B globally); customers pay $5-30 per replacement part. iFixit covers repair guides but doesn't offer on-demand manufacturing of custom plastic/shell components from official CAD files.
MoatAggregated library of verified, manufacturer-sourced CAD files with fit-testing data becomes the canonical source — strong data moat as the catalog grows and community contributes tested modifications.
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