Initially Google had planned to make 3D printing Ara modules a part of the module customization experience for customers, but somewhere along the development process this plan got changed (possibly due to durability issues). Instead, Google decided to have modules made out of injection-molded polycarbonate material. This process is not as customizable as 3D printing but polycarbonate allows for high resolution images to be printed on modules, and this is where IDT Systems come in.

“IDT Systems is the supply chain behind Case Station. Headquartered in the UK, IDT Systems is a leading systems provider focused on delivering complete 3D and 2D surface decoration solutions for most materials across all industries. IDT has operational bases in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia Pacific, and, in addition, has installed more than 550 systems in over 58 countries worldwide.”

The tech that IDT systems will use to customize ARA modules can be seen in action at Case Station services that are available in some retail stores.

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Customers can get high resolution images printed on their smartphone cases, and there is even a new augmented reality preview of the case available before the case has been printed. “IDT Systems is an innovator in the world of dye sublimation. The personalization and customization of premium products is our passion. When IDT Systems was approached by the innovators at Google, we were excited by the ideas and challenges surrounding Project Ara.” Dye sublimation printing is a form of printing in which heat is utilized to transfer dye onto materials such as paper, card, fabric or plastic. Dye sublimation is an ideal process that takes very little time and results in very high quality prints.

Google plans on making this beautiful case printing service available to customers at the first pilot in Puerto Rico. The trucks that will be used as retail outlets for purchasing Ara devices will also allow customers to customize their Ara modules and have them printed on the spot.