Greeting the waves of technological innovation, Normal emerges as a harbinger in the customized, high-end earphone industry, keen on taking 3D printing to mainstream consumers. Nestled in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, this trailblazing company offers $199 bespoke earbuds, flawlessly molded to the contours of each customer's ears.
At the helm is Nikki Kaufman, of Quirky fame, who, alongside her husband Ben Kaufman, ventures into the transformative world of manufacturing with Normal.
“3D printing and mass customization are often hailed as the future of manufacturing, yet there was a lack of compelling consumer applications for this tech,” Kaufman comments on the vision propelling Normal. With her invaluable exposure to 3D printing and manufacturing during her tenure at Quirky, Kaufman envisioned a distinct entity in Normal, steering clear from any conflict of interest and rather focusing on this standalone innovation.
Merely a month after concept inception, Kaufman fortified her business model, securing substantial investments by November. Almost a year later, Normal is set to unveil its combined manufacturing facility and storefront. Whereas traditionally, acquiring custom earphones was both time-consuming and expensive, involving audiologist visits, Normal streamlines the process to a mere 48-hour turnaround through its user-friendly mobile app available on both iOS and Android.
Users can capture images of their ears with a common coin for scale and personalize their earphones through an array of cord lengths and color accents. With these details, Normal crafts individually tailored earphones paired with premium audio components, delivering an acoustical performance that transcends the norm.
Kaufman asserts the importance of sound quality and engineering, "We aspired for Normal to embody an outstanding brand, superior fit, and a user-designed product that also offers impeccable sound." Normal not only promises an exclusive brand experience and a custom fit but also seals the auditory deal with exceptional sound isolation and quality due to its 3D-printed precision.
The Normal storefront beckons in August for those who prefer an in-person experience, while the app serves those ready to leap into auditory innovation immediately. **Normal's use of Stratasys Fortus 250mc printers epitomizes their dedication to precision, paired with an undisclosed cadre of top-tier audio component suppliers.
Kaufman hints that earphones are just the start, suggesting a broader horizon for Normal, with visions of expanding into the expansive realm of personalized tech. Backed by $5 million in funding from an array of well-established venture capitalists and angel investors, the future for Normal seems as bespoke as its products. Investors and visionaries alike, including heavyweights from RRE Ventures to The Kraft Group, are betting on Normal to be the beacon of consumer 3D printing applications.
With 3D printing increasingly infiltrating a vast range of consumer goods, Normal is set to transform the personalized audio gear space. As this pioneering company continues to push the boundaries and possibilities of 3D printing technology, it sets a new standard for user experience and customization in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Normal is poised to revolutionize not just how earphones are consumed, but how personalization in consumer electronics is perceived. The company does not see its products as mere gadgets, but as a canvas for the consumer's personal style and technological needs. With each print, Normal is meticulously carving out a niche in the market where innovation meets individuality, setting itself apart from mass-produced alternatives. As they expand their product line, the integration of sophisticated 3D printing technology signifies a shift towards a more personalized and artisanal approach to the devices we use daily.
