Apple Plans New Aluminum Chassis Made With Additive Manufacturing For iPhones
Apple is quietly testing a new manufacturing process that could introduce fully aluminum chassis printed via additive technology to future iPhones and Apple Watches, building on its recent success with similar techniques used in components like those found inside or around devices such as the Ultra 3.
Key Points
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1Apple is reportedly testing a new manufacturing process that could introduce aluminum chassis printed via 3D technology to future iPhones and Apple Watches.
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2This initiative follows successful implementation of similar additive manufacturing techniques using recycled titanium powder in products like the iPhone Titanium model, which saves raw materials while reducing costs. The company aims to apply this same efficiency approach now with more widely used metals.
Developments
Perspectives
Apple is studying how it can expand its usage of additive manufacturing (printing) in device production, following a successful application with components made from printed metal.
— (Sapo.pt)According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has quietly begun testing 3D-printed aluminum as part of the company's major push into this new technology for future products like iPhones and watches.
— (Iphoneincanada.ca)'Star Trek' style replicators are not yet possible; however, current advancements in additive manufacturing allow Apple to tackle challenges with 3D-printed aluminum after previously succeeding with titanium printing on devices such as the Watch Ultra series case.
— (Appleinsider)