Apple Exploring 3D Printing for Smartwatch Manufacturing

Apple The company is said to be testing 3D printing for the production of steel chassis in its smartwatches.

The move marks a shift in the company’s Manufacturers Bloomberg reported Wednesday, August 30, citing unnamed source, that the new method would eliminate cutting large slabs of steel into the desired shapes, thus reducing production times and material waste.

According to the report, if Apple’s 3D printing is successful, it plans to use the technology to produce more products over the next few years.

Apple did not immediately reply to PYMNTS’ request for comment.

The new manufacturing approach has the potential to streamline Apple’s supply chain and revolutionize its manufacturing processes, according to the report. The use of 3D printing would allow for the creation of the device’s general outline at its near-net shape using powdered material, which is then transformed into a steel-like substance through a process called sintering. The final step is milling out the exact design, including all cutouts. This process is similar to previous manufacturing processes.

The report stated that Apple and its suppliers had been testing this 3D printing technology on steel cases for Apple Watch Series 9 for at least three year. While there is no guarantee that the first consumer shipments of the new steel Apple Watches will be manufactured using this process, the test run indicates Apple’s commitment to exploring innovative manufacturing methods.

The report states that this new manufacturing process has an environmental benefit. Apple reduces waste by using only the required amount of metal for the enclosures. Apple also plans to use new materials to replace leather on some iPhone accessories and cases, furthering its commitment towards sustainability.

The report states that while the switch to 3D printed watch cases was costly, the production should be simplified and costs could potentially decrease over time. The cost of a watch case produced using the new method is currently comparable to that of the old process.

You can also use 3D PrintingIn January, Luxexcel reported that it uses its 3D-printing platform to precisely embed smart lenses. WaveOptics’ waveguides and light engines for augmented reality (AR) into its smart lenses without sacrificing their ability to correct people’s vision.