Print your own phone case thanks to Nokia

Nokia is releasing 3D printing files for its Lumia 820 handset so that owners can create their own covers.

Nokia-Lumia-820-Photo-AFP

Nokia is releasing 3D printing files for its Lumia 820 handset so that owners can create their own covers.

Companies offering interchangeable covers or replacement shells for their smartphone handsets is nothing new, in fact it was Nokia that started the trend back in 1998 with the 5110 -- the first phone to feature Xpress-on covers. This, however, takes customization to a new level.

A promoter stands at the WD booth during the 2013 Computex in Taipei on June 4, 2013. Computex is Asia's biggest annual IT trade fair, which opens on June 4. Photo: AFP / Mandy Cheng

A promoter stands at the WD booth during the 2013 Computex in Taipei on June 4, 2013. Computex is Asia's biggest annual IT trade fair, which opens on June 4. Photo: AFP / Mandy Cheng

In the post, Nokia also claims that it is the first major phone manufacturer to freely hand over these files but, as 3D printing starts to catch on and becomes more mainstream, it probably won't be the last company to do so.