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Apple explores 3D printing for smartwatch chassis manufacturing
Industry News- Sep 01,23
This innovative technique could eliminate the necessity of carving sizable metal slabs into the desired product shape.
According to a few reports, Apple Inc is currently in the testing phase of employing 3D printing technology for crafting the steel chassis utilised in some of its forthcoming smartwatches. This development signals a significant departure from the company's traditional manufacturing processes.
This innovative technique could eliminate the necessity of carving sizable metal slabs into the desired product shape. This not only has the potential to expedite device production but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing material consumption. These insiders, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the plan, assert that if successful with Apple Watches, this approach may pave the way for broader adoption across various product lines in the coming years. Apple's spokesperson based in Cupertino, California, declined to provide any comments on the matter.
Historically, Apple has adhered to a more conventional manufacturing methodology for its stainless-steel watches, constituting approximately 10 per cent of its product lineup. This process involves forging material into a compact block of metal closely resembling the device's final size, followed by CNC (computer numerical control) machining to achieve the precise design and aperture locations.
The novel technique leverages a variant of 3D printing known as "binder jetting" to create a preliminary outline of the device, known in manufacturing as the "near net shape," nearly mirroring its actual dimensions. This printed form employs a powdered substance that subsequently undergoes sintering—a process involving heat and pressure to transform the material into a steel-like substance. The final step involves milling to produce the exact design and cutouts, similar to the earlier process.
This development has spurred investor interest in 3D printing companies such as 3D Systems Corp and Stratasys . Shares of 3D Systems experienced a notable surge of up to 10 per cent, while Stratasys saw a substantial increase of 6.9 per cent.
Apple
3D printing
smartwatch
manufacturing
steel chassis
supply chain
product innovation
3D Systems
Stratasys
CNC machining
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