Unique Project Brings Transparent Design to AirPods Pro Charging Case


Hardware prototyping consultant Ken Pillonel has created a transparent AirPods Pro charging case with a repairable design using 3D printing technology and transparent SLA resin, as part of his ongoing efforts to highlight repairability and sustainability issues in modern consumer electronics.

airpods pro clear 2 2
The project began with Pillonel downloading 3D files and employing transparent SLA resin to create the AirPods Pro case. Using a Formlabs Form 3+ printer, Pillonel printed the parts, cleaned them with IPA, and carefully dried them using compressed air. He then cured the parts and undertook a labor-intensive phase of sanding carried out in sequence using 400, 600, 800, and 1000 grit sandpaper, with the parts regularly dipped in tap water to aid in cleanliness and progress assessment.

The process continued with a cleansing in new IPA and drying with hot air to prevent mineral residue deposits from water. To finalize the aesthetic, Pillonel applied a clear spray varnish to the parts. The spray transformed the parts from opaque to entirely clear, achieving the desired transparent look.

The transparent design also taps into a nostalgic aesthetic, reminiscent of transparent gadgets from the past. Beyond the visual appeal, the project represents Pillonel’s continued effort to highlight repairability issues in contemporary consumer electronics and encourage a move towards more sustainable design practices. By using screws and nuts instead of adhesive and a USB-C port, Pillonel’s ‌AirPods Pro‌ case can easily be taken apart and repaired.

Apple recently introduced a transparent variant of the Beats Studio Buds +, while Nothing’s transparent Buds (1) and (2) have sought to compete with AirPods, indicating something of a revival of interest in transparent electronics.

Popular Stories

iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro: 20+ Upgrades and Changes to Expect

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to be announced in less than a month, introducing over 20 upgrades and changes to surpass the iPhone 14 Pro models introduced last year. After over a year of rumors about the upcoming devices, we have compiled all of the key differences the next-generation “Pro” iPhone models are expected to feature based on information from reliable…

iPhone 15 Could Come With Color-Matched Braided USB-C Cables [Updated]

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus could come with color-matched braided USB-C to USB-C cables, according to a rumor coming out of Asia. Twitter user “Majin Bu” first shared the information over the weekend, but was unable to verify the source of the rumor circulating on Chinese social media. Now, Apple device prototype collector “Kosutami” has affirmed that they have seen design validation…

Everything New in iOS 17 Beta 7

We’re now getting close to the end of the iOS 17 beta testing process as September approaches, which means we are seeing fewer new features in beta updates and more focus on small refinements and bug fixes. We’ve rounded up the changes in iOS 17 beta 7 that we’ve found so far, but let us know if you’ve seen a tweak that we haven’t mentioned. Phone App With this beta, the end call button…

iPhone 15 Pro Models Expected to Be $100 to $200 More Expensive

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be at least $100 more expensive than their predecessors, according to DigiTimes. The iPhone 14 Pro starts at $999 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099. DigiTimes’ forecast places the price of the iPhone 15 Pro at $1,099 to $1,199 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199 to $1,299. The significant price increase could suppress sales of the new…

‘A19’ and ‘M5’ Chips Discovered on Apple Backend Server

References to what are believed to be the “A19” and “M5” Apple silicon chips have been discovered in official Apple code. The references, found by Twitter user “@_orangera1n,” indicate the existence of a large number of unreleased Apple chips. Following the trends of Apple’s chip identifiers, the latest discoveries are believed to correspond to the “A19,” “M5 Pro,” “M5 Max,” and “M5 Ultra”…

‘iPhone 15 Ultra’ Could Still Replace ‘Pro Max’ Model This Year

Apple’s upcoming high-end 6.7-inch iPhone 15 model may be called the “iPhone 15 Ultra” after all, replacing the “Pro Max” title, a new rumor claims. In a September 2022 edition of his weekly “Power On” newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said there was “potential” for an iPhone 15 Ultra to replace the iPhone 15 Pro Max this year. While the name change was prevalent in several rumors from…

Rumors Point to the Five iPhone 15 Color Options to Expect

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be available in a refreshed selection of colors, with at least five different shades to choose from, recent rumors suggest. According to the Twitter leaker known as “Unknownz21,” who has provided an extensive amount of information about Apple’s upcoming devices, at least six different colorways were tested for the iPhone 15: These are the colors that …



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *