Maverick 3D Printing Customization

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Folks,

From my Retiree Newsletter:


Think. Print. Personalize. The All-New Ford Maverick Makes Personalization Easy with 3D Printing





Aug-05-2021

Get ready to personalize the Ford Maverick with 3D printing. How? With FITS – Ford Integrated Tether System – standard in every Ford Maverick.
FITS – Ford Integrated Tether System – slots are receivers into which a matching mount slides in from the top and seats in place to houses accessories. There are eight Ford Integrated Tether System slots throughout the vehicle, one at the back of the center console and seven in the under-seat storage bins.
“We created DIY hacks for the interior space using the FITS Slots,” said Scott Anderson, Maverick interior design manager. “It’s a very simple plug and play slot that allows you to put different accessories in the interior, whether they be 3D printed or manufactured.”
Using the slot geometry that will be published by Ford through the Maverick’s QR code sticker in the FLEXBED, people will be able to 3D print any accessory they can dream up with their home printer for endless personalization.

“We designed this vehicle with a big personality and a huge ability to customize your liking,” Anderson said. “All kinds of things the customer can create can be utilized in that space.”
With 3D printed accessories, your imagination is the limit. Do your kids love fries? 3D print a fry holder for the back seat for easy snacking. Sick of sharing an iPad to watch a movie during a long trip? Print a tablet holder so both rear seat passengers can enjoy hands-free streaming. Want a safe place for passengers to stash their shades? Print a sunglasses case to stick in the back of the center console.

If you’re not into 3D printing but want to get in on the personalization and organization these slots provide, there is an available accessory package that includes cupholders, a storage or trash bin, cord organizer, double hook for grocery bags and purses and under-seat storage dividers. The available accessory package (including all 5 accessories) will be available when the vehicle goes on sale this fall.

Available Cord Wrap

Available Grocery Hook

Available Maverick Bin Divider

Available Maverick Cup Holder

Available Trash or Storage Bin

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[JTDay]

Every time my ego gets me thinking the maverick is too small and "not a real truck", that awesome interior gets me thinking otherwise.

 

[D Fresh]

How many people have their own 3d printer? Seems kinda gimmicky to me.


Also, I see the interns got to design another interior. As much crap as the Navy Pier Bronco interior gets why would they try it again? With all those different colors it looks like a Crayola box puked all over the inside.

 

[maxbottomtime]

Hey Phil,

Have you seen the wireless charging platform DirkM makes for the ranger?

Cool they are building platforms to enable it though!

 

[Trigganometry]

This is an idea that will have some very creative additions from crowd sources. When they become popular enough some manufacturers will make molds and inject product. Owner win on this one! Thanks for the share Phil

 

[Tracy Bowman]

Every time my ego gets me thinking the maverick is too small and "not a real truck", that awesome interior gets me thinking otherwise.

It’s grown on me too!

 

[Cristhian]

How many people have their own 3d printer? Seems kinda gimmicky to me.

It's becoming normal as they are relatively cheap now. For $200-250 is another tool for the garage or office. I think Ford wants to promote the ability to customize the vehicle to your needs at home or fleet.

 

[D Fresh]

Do you have one?

I don't know anybody personally that does. There are a couple of people on the forum that do, but seems pretty rare.

I have no doubt that some will print stuff to go there. But the vast majority will never use the slots, or at the most buy Ford accessories for them.

 

[Cristhian]

I have one and have been able to make some usefull parts. For the truck I have a Fuse Box for the 12v in the bed, some clips for the bed lights and a 12v socket bracket inside the dash for the dash cam. For work related stuff the company I work for have more expensive printers.

Probably there's a good amount of members that have one for their kids or don't have the time to design the parts by themself.

You're right most people will buy accesories from Ford or an aftermarket supplier, but their will be someone who will need a custom solution for a specific problem..

 

[ScrappyLaptop]

Do you have one?

I don't know anybody personally that does. There are a couple of people on the forum that do, but seems pretty rare.

I have no doubt that some will print stuff to go there. But the vast majority will never use the slots, or at the most buy Ford accessories for them.

Perhaps it's not a matter of each owner printing an accessory. A number of people here bought key-ignition switch trim rings because someone saw something was missing and solved the problem. These slots will server a similar purpose, I'm guessing - and not just for owners with 3D printers. I'm guessing a few people will print out interesting accessories, a few will do so and sell them, but most of the creative solutions will come from regular retail channels and be injected molded in China.

 

[DoctorsTARDIS]

How many people have their own 3d printer? Seems kinda gimmicky to me.

You'd be surprised. A lot of people have one. The price of 3d printers has come way down. If you don't there are some websites that offer affordable printing solutions. You just have to upload your files and they'll print out your part and ship it

Or, you might find that your local library has a 3D printer you can use. MANY do! Mine does! It's awesome. I just need to bring a usb stick with my files on it and they'll add my job to the print queue and they only charge you the exact cost of the filament you use up.

 

[Charley]

How many people have their own 3d printer? Seems kinda gimmicky to me.


More and more everyday.
3 years ago at the university where I worked, a couple co-workers nearly lost their jobs after taking way too many liberties "supporting" the new 3-d printer. So many items - plans - were available on line that they would just down load and run a "test". One guy ran just enough tests to have fun little toys for all the kids attending his childs birthday party.

Back in 2014 at the university where my favorite Ford engineer earned their Mechanical Engineering degree, they had just received several huge 3-d printers. While working on their Capstone project (outside companies would request something and provide funding). While designing the the test rig for their project, their advisor suggested 3-D printing several parts instead of having them machined. Less expensive and faster turn around time.

So now Ford wants to spend a little money to provide opportunities for individuals to personalize their vehicles. Interesting marketing strategy. Go for it!

 

[JTDay]

all this gimmicky plastic aside....I cant wait to see the first Mav with a 3" lift kit and rolling on 30's and aftermarket wheels.

Likewise. I haven't even found a render of a non-raptorized, lifted maverick. I think it'll look badass. Hell, even the Ridgeline looks good with a lift imo.

 

[D Fresh]

You're right most people will buy accesories from Ford or an aftermarket supplier, but their will be someone who will need a custom solution for a specific problem..

Which makes it gimmicky to me.

Beyond a cup holder or cell phone holder, what on earth would somebody want or need there?

Perhaps it's not a matter of each owner printing an accessory. A number of people here bought key-ignition switch trim rings because someone saw something was missing and solved the problem. These slots will server a similar purpose, I'm guessing - and not just for owners with 3D printers. I'm guessing a few people will print out interesting accessories, a few will do so and sell them, but most of the creative solutions will come from regular retail channels and be injected molded in China.

This seems more likely.

I'm sure Dean's Ring has made him some money. If 3d printing at home was as popular as some think it wouldn't have. People would've seen what he made and made it themselves.

You'd be surprised. A lot of people have one. The price of 3d printers has come way down. If you don't there are some websites that offer affordable printing solutions. You just have to upload your files and they'll print out your part and ship it

Or, you might find that your local library has a 3D printer you can use. MANY do! Mine does! It's awesome. I just need to bring a usb stick with my files on it and they'll add my job to the print queue and they only charge you the exact cost of the filament you use up.

Yeah, I'm sure they'll be used. Just not to the extent that some think.

Seems like a lot of hassle to go through for another cup holder.

 

[Cristhian]

I was reading Phil's letter again and 7 of 8 slots are underneath the rear seat, so it's basically a cargo organizer option.

At least Ford is giving customer options in their entry level pickup.

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