Nokia posts 3D printing specs for Lumia 820 case

Nokia has posted specifications which could allow Lumia 820 handset owners to use a 3D printer to fabricate their own cases.

Nokia said it would share a series of documents, including 3D blueprints and specifications, which will allow users to create cases for the handset using a 3D printer. The collection will also include material lists and recommendations for best practice.

In announcing the move, Nokia community and developer marketing manager John Kneeland said that the company was looking to build on what it sees as a history of letting users customise their mobile phones.

"In doing this, Nokia has become the first major phone company to begin embracing the 3D printing community and its incredible potential, and continue to be the leading phone company in this exciting field," Kneeland said.

"I view this as the spiritual successor to the great granddaddy of customisable phones, the Nokia 5110 and its rainbow collection of removable faceplates."

Kneeland went on to say that the 3D cases could be the first move in a progression by Nokia to make its handsets more customisable.

Kneeland suggested Nokia could build and distribute prototype phones which could then be customised by smaller vendors and sold as specialised handsets.

Once considered an experimental technology, 3D printing has moved into the mainstream in recent years. Late last year the market became sophisticated enough to warrant legal scrutiny, while an unlikely set of backers including radio personality Glenn Beck have championed the field.