Refillable Capsule for Philips Smart Clean System

This is my design of a refillable capsule that works with the SmartClean system from Philips to automatically clean the shaver heads. As the JC301, JC302 capsules and the SmartClean system was replaced by a newer one, the original capsules are hard to get and are very expensive. With this design, you can continue to use your Philips SmartClean system with widely available shaver head cleaning fluids. This capsule has a removable lid and can be cleaned in the dishwasher (at the low temperature setting!). 

The design has a slot for the filter you can remove from an original capsule, but I also provide a model to print your own filter.

Update 2023-07-06: Updated to revision B, with stronger walls, optimised for PCTG.

How to Print the Capsule and Lid

Print the capsule and its lid with the flat side down. I created an example project LR2253B-1_2 Print.3mf for Prusa Slicer, where all required settings are made.

If you need to create your own setup from scratch, check out the following table:

How to Print the Filter

Print the filter with the flat side down on the printer bed. I created an example project LR2253B-3 Print.3mf for Prusa Slicer, where all required settings are made.

If you need to create your own setup from scratch, check out the following table:

Depending on your print bed and calibration, you may get to small holes with 50% infill. Either adjust the z-axis after the frame has been printed or use 45%, or even 40% infill for the print.

The Filter

If you have an original JC30X/50 capsule left, carefully cut it open along the top rim. There is a filter in the capsule that is just slid into a groove. You can easily remove this filter - clean it - and insert it into the printed capsule.

The 3D-printed filter is not as effective as this original filter, unless you glue some fine mesh on it. Make sure to put the top side (print) of the filter in direction of the sink. 

About my Design Compared with the Original

The original design of the filter is optimised for plastic injection molding, and therefore looks more complex as it actually is.

The goal of the design is to slow the particles down, that are coming back from the sink on the device. These particles (cut hair) shall settle on the bottom of the capsule and not be transported back to the reservoir with the pump in it.

My design uses a pipe on the sink side that starts from the bottom, preventing any direct back flow to the filter. Also a small ramp, similar as in the original, prevents any direct flow at the bottom layer. The 0.2mm steps from the 3D print seems to be even more effective capturing the particles at the bottom.

On the pump side, I use a design that extracts the fluid directly from the bottom, as I never had any large particles on the this side.

Suitable Materials for Print

After using this capsule design for over a year, I found that PETG does not fully withstand the ethanol which is the main ingredient in the cleaning fluids. Therefore I recommend printing the capsule using PCTG.

If you print the capsule with PETG, it will work well for a long time (+9 months), but after that time I found hairline cracks where the cleaning fluid evaporated. So, if the capsule starts to get empty quicker than expected, you will have to print a new capsule.

Hygiene

You should clean the capsule and replace the cleaning fluid at least once per month or after 20 cleaning cycles, or if the bottom of the capsule on the sink side is completely covered. All available cleaning fluids contain chemicals that prevent bacteria growth in your 3D printed part. So as long the capsule is full with the fluid, it should stay sterile.

After cleaning the capsule and if it isn't in use, make sure you dry it quickly and keep it completely dry to prevent any bacteria growth in the small grooves between the layers. You can use 2-propanol for cleaning the capsule. 

Photos

The transparent prints are revision B, printed with Fiberlogy PCTG Pure Transparent on an Original Prusa i3 MK3S+. The grey prints are revision A, printed with Prusament PETG urban grey.

Explore More from Meti·kumi

Interested in my designs? Browse through my collection of 3D models:

👉 https://metikumi.com/3d-models/

Stay connected on social media for the latest updates and work-in-progress insights:

👉 https://metikumi.com

Conclusion

I created this design so I can keep using my old electric shaver and cleaning station, even when Philips decided to discontinue the product and its supplies. Refilling the capsule and using the devices as long as possible prevents unnecessary waste.

For whatever reason you like to use this capsule, I hope you find this design useful. If you like it, please rate it and upload some makes. If you run into any problems or have ideas how to improve the design, do not hesitate to comment or contact me.

Happy printing!