Apple Watch Series 8 and SE
Source: Apple, Inc.
Apple is testing the usage of 3D printers to make the chrome steel chassis for its soon-to-be-released smartwatches, Bloomberg reported, citing folks accustomed to the matter.
The firm is reportedly initially testing the tech in manufacturing for the upcoming Apple Watch 9, and if all goes properly, Apple will combine it into the manufacturing course of for extra merchandise in coming years, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.
Right now, Apple Watch chassis are made by reducing slabs of metallic into the precise form. The 3D printing methodology would scale back each the time wanted to make the units and the quantity of fabric getting used, folks acquainted informed Bloomberg.
Apple additionally intends to use the 3D printing course of to the subsequent iteration of the titanium-enclosed Apple Watch Ultra someday subsequent yr, however the firm hasn’t but been capable of mass-produce the 3D-printed aluminum enclosures utilized in Apple’s Mac and iPad lineup, Bloomberg reported.
Ultimately, Apple plans to supply each recycled aluminum or metal to be used in its enclosures, per a 2017 purpose that the corporate reaffirmed in 2022.
Recycled aluminum use has already change into comparatively commonplace for Apple. By 2021, the corporate reported that 59% of all aluminum utilized in merchandise got here from recycled sources, with “many products” utilizing 100% recycled aluminum of their enclosures.
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Source: www.cnbc.com”