Type72 product safety policy
How Type72 approaches product safety for small-batch 3D-printed consumer products.
1. Our commitment
Type72 designs and manufactures small-batch 3D-printed consumer products.
We take the safety of our products seriously and seek to ensure that products are reasonably safe for their intended and reasonably foreseeable use.
2. Product development
Where appropriate to the nature of the product, Type72 considers:
- intended use;
- reasonably foreseeable use;
- foreseeable misuse;
- material selection;
- component geometry;
- print orientation;
- manufacturing settings;
- environmental exposure;
- attachment method;
- likely loading;
- consequences of product failure; and
- proximity to safety-critical systems.
3. Automotive accessories
Unless expressly stated otherwise, Type72 automotive products are:
- non-safety-critical accessories.
They must not perform or interfere with functions relating to:
- braking;
- steering;
- suspension;
- airbags;
- seatbelts;
- occupant restraint;
- child-restraint systems;
- structural integrity;
- safety-required lighting; or
- other safety-critical vehicle systems.
If an accessory cannot be installed without affecting one of those functions, it must not be used.
4. Product classification
Where appropriate, a Type72 product listing or accompanying information will identify:
- Product reference: Type72 reference
- Revision: design revision
- Material: relevant printing material
- Intended use: stated application
- Compatibility: vehicles/products tested where relevant
- Installation method: intended fixing method
- Limitations: relevant environmental/use restrictions
- Safety classification: for example, “Non-safety-critical accessory”
5. Manufacturing records and traceability
Where reasonably appropriate, Type72 will maintain records identifying:
- product/reference;
- design revision;
- production date or batch;
- material used;
- relevant manufacturing information; and
- customer/order relationship.
This may allow affected products to be identified if a quality or safety problem emerges.
6. Inspection before dispatch
Products may be visually inspected before dispatch for relevant manufacturing issues such as:
- significant cracking;
- incomplete printing;
- obvious layer separation;
- deformation;
- defective mounting features; and
- other readily identifiable manufacturing defects.
Inspection requirements may vary according to product type and intended application.
7. Installation
Customers must follow any instructions supplied with a product.
Before use, customers should check:
- the product is undamaged;
- fitment is correct;
- relevant fixings are secure;
- moving components have adequate clearance; and
- no vehicle safety system has been obstructed or affected.
If in doubt, do not use the product.
8. Ongoing inspection
3D-printed components can deteriorate as a result of heat, UV exposure, chemicals, vibration, loading, impact and age.
Customers should periodically inspect installed products.
Immediately stop using a product showing:
- cracking;
- delamination;
- abnormal deformation;
- significant warping;
- loose or damaged fixings;
- loss of secure fitment; or
- other circumstances indicating that continued use may be unsafe.
9. Modification
Drilling, cutting, heating, bending or otherwise modifying a Type72 product can alter its performance.
Do not modify products unless the modification is specifically contemplated by the instructions supplied.
10. Safety incidents
If you believe a Type72 product has failed in a way that caused or could cause injury or significant property damage, stop using it immediately and contact:
Please provide where possible:
- product;
- order number;
- product/batch reference;
- photographs;
- circumstances of the incident;
- how the product was installed;
- approximate period of use; and
- description of any injury or damage.
Do not dispose of the product until we advise whether it should be retained for examination.
11. Corrective action and recalls
If Type72 identifies a product-safety problem, we will assess the issue and take appropriate action.
This may include:
- investigation;
- revised instructions;
- safety warnings;
- contacting known purchasers;
- stopping further sales;
- replacement;
- refund;
- product modification;
- withdrawal;
- recall; and
- notification to the appropriate authority where legally required.
12. Geographic scope
Type72 currently supplies products only to addresses in England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain).
We do not currently supply to Northern Ireland, the EU or the EEA. This will be stated at checkout when online sales are available.