The Apple Watch case is 3D printed.

Apple says it uses recycled titanium and 3D printing technology for the casings of the Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 models.

The casings of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 models are 3D printed, which reduces the amount of material used compared to the conventional process. Photo: TA .

Apple has just revealed a new manufacturing process for two of its watch lines. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 feature cases entirely 3D-printed from aerospace-grade recycled titanium powder. This marks the first time an electronic product using a titanium case has been manufactured entirely on a large scale using 3D printing.

According to the company, the new production line uses only half the raw materials compared to the previous generation. This technology saves more than 400 tons of raw titanium while maintaining the same product design and durability. The company says this process is part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Apple's partner's production line uses a resonant 3D printing process, printing layer by layer of titanium until the object achieves the desired shape. Conventional titanium machining processes use CNC lathes, which typically require significant material removal.

The manufacturing process begins with spraying raw titanium into a powder. The oxygen content is adjusted to reduce the titanium's explosive properties when exposed to heat. Each case requires 20 hours of printing with over 900 layers. Afterward, the case undergoes finishing and polishing before component installation.

The company stated that it took years to refine the production line and optimize the manufacturing processes. The research team created numerous prototypes and adjusted the formula. From the alloy composition to the printing process, everything was modified. After achieving success on a small scale, applying it to millions of machines is a challenge with a material like titanium.

In addition to watches, Apple also applied 3D printing technology to the USB-C port on the iPhone Air. This process allowed the company to create a thinner phone design with a titanium casing, by eliminating the need for beveling around the connector.

Source: https://znews.vn/vo-apple-watch-duoc-in-3d-post1604134.html