Unique Project Brings Transparent Design to AirPods Pro Charging Case

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

Article Link: Unique Project Brings Transparent Design to AirPods Pro Charging Case

 

[MrRom92]

Transparent, unlike the AAC wireless it uses!

 

[vertsix]

>spend hours making it transparent
>yellows in a year due to TPU

 

[hacky]

Awesome design. Would be nice to have this option officially by Apple.

 

[verniesgarden]

Awesome design. Would be nice to have this option officially by Apple.

even better would be the G3 iMac colors

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

The European Union ‘right to repair laws’ are gaining momentum. Apple will be forced to make their products last longer by letting consumers replace their own battery from their homes. It’s long overdue.

 

[MGrayson3]

Sounds like a very sustainable process.

 

[Lcgiv]

I miss my see through N64 controllers and game boy in the very 90s purplish color

 

[erikkfi]

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.

Your microplastics are very impressive; you must be very proud.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

It looks cool, but I'd be scared that it would yellow.

 

[klasma]

That looks like a mixed bag to me.

 

[LambdaTheImpossible]

even better would be the G3 iMac colors

I would buy a blue and white plastic macbook pro and airpods. Surely fashion has to go round in a big enough circle!

 

[Billistan]

I need to do this, just so I can replace the stupid battery in the thing. My AirPods are still good but the charging case battery is dead.

 

[verniesgarden]

I miss my see through N64 controllers and game boy in the very 90s purplish color

Atomic Purple was a true vibe

 

[tridley68]

Gotta have a gimmick to sell these overpriced poor performing buds

 

[Gengar]

I actually like the iconic Apple white color, I just wish the inside of the cases were finished with a different material that doesn't draw as much dirt so it'd be easier to clean.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

>spend hours making it transparent
>yellows in a year due to TPU

BUT a big signal boost from all the social media sites

They’ve found a way to lengthen their 15 minutes of fame as a one trick pony!

 

[spartan1967]

So cool. If only these APPs fit my ears…

 

[GMShadow]

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.

These people really struggle to understand that given the choice between performance and design or 'repairability', consumers choose the former every time.

 

[cjboffoli97]

I don't need for the case to be clear. I'd just love it if someone could design the case so it isn't so slick that it easily slips out of your hand and goes crashing to the floor (whilst the door instantly opens and ear AirPods goes flying out).

 

[Four oF NINE]

even better would be the G3 iMac colors

Make mine sage green

 

[Four oF NINE]

I don't need for the case to be clear. I'd just love it if someone could design the case so it isn't so slick that it easily slips out of your hand and goes crashing to the floor (whilst the door instantly opens and ear AirPods goes flying out).

I found an outer case from Amazon that serves that function quite well.

 

[MasterControlProgram]

I wish Apple would offer more colour choices for the AirPods. I love my transparent Beats Studio Buds+, Apple are leaving money on the table not offering more colours for the AirPods IMHO. I'd buy several different colours if they were available, especially if they were transparent iMac colours.

 

[3xBoom]

What's the attraction of this dated design that has been tried and ultimately left in the rears by Apple? 🤔

 

[ComRadMac]

"Man with 3D Printer Does Craft Project"

Holy mackeral, he used COMPRESSED AIR?!? Is this guy some kind of genius engineer? SANDPAPER? Wow, I'm glad we have a step-by-step report of a simple craft project done by a guy in his living room. But you left out what kind of snacks he was eating at the time!