Interchangeable parts

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Interchangeable parts are components designed for wider compatibility beyond the original product. Components ranging from Phillip or Torx screws in a laptop to hubcaps for the wheels of a car engage with the principle of interchangeability, allowing individuals to repair or replace parts as needed. Most notably, this principle removes dependence on the original manufacturer of the product, and it is a necessary attribute of right to repair.

Examples

• Replacement ink/toner cartridges for printers and copiers.
• Automotive headlight enclosures used to be circular and fairly standardized.
• Light-bulbs used to be standard. Now automobiles and appliances often use non-standard lights to prevent the customer from being able to replace the bulb. This leaves the owner with needing to get a whole custom module, replace the appliance, or seek specialized electronics repair.

Why it matters

Interchangeability was initially devised as a way to reduce cost, simplify the assembly of goods for accessibility and repair, reduce inventory, and scaling. More manufacturers actively reject interchangeable parts as time goes on, however. Proprietary parts or supplies may mean more profit for the manufacturer if they can charge more for their special part, or keep a customer locked in to their products. Today, as right-to-repair has developed into a reactionary principle for what should be a given, interchangeability becomes a part of the conversation.

Interchangeable parts reduce waste. For example:

• Apple is known for using unique screws in their digital devices where the screws can neither be replaced, nor can a technician use a common screwdriver to repair the devices. This forces consumers to seek Apple-certified technicians, which often means paying a premium or replacing their device altogether.
• Many printer companies, including Epson, Canon, and Brother, are physically able to accept ink cartridges outside of the original printer manufacturer. However, printer firmware often rejects third-party cartridges or has compatibility error despite cartridge fit.