Spare Part Fabrication through Photogrammetry and 3D Printing: Exploring Sustainability in Mobile Phones

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology frequently leads to the replacement of older machines, devices, and vehicles with newer models. However, many of these older products remain functional and may require spare parts over time. With the release of new models, accessing spare parts for previous generations becomes increasingly difficult, which shortens the lifespan of these products and negatively affects sustainability. One of the most prominent examples in this context is mobile phones. Many components of mobile phones are prone to damage over time due to regular use. However, the rapid circulation of new models and consumption-driven corporate policies restrict access to replacement parts. This study focuses on one of the most frequently damaged components in mobile phones—the side button—and examines the design and production process of this spare part using photogrammetry and 3D printing methods. Furthermore, the study assesses how this approach contributes to sustainability and environmental protection by highlighting the benefits of 3D printing, which allows direct production from digital models and is very cost-effective for small-scale manufacturing, and photogrammetry, which provides an affordable method for obtaining precise geometric data needed in spare part design.

Keywords

• 3D Printing
• Photogrammetry
• Reconstruction
• Reverse Engineering
• Sustainability

Ethical Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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