If you compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 with the Ultra 2, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell they were made with drastically different manufacturing processes. The titanium Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are not only made with 100 percent recycled titanium powder, but are also 3D-printed, a process that’s pretty impressive at Apple’s scale. 3D printing creates less waste, in this case cutting raw materials usage for the watch cases in half, but introduces new challenges, like balancing speed and precision.
Apple has released more details about its process, which involves blasting titanium dust with a laser. Over 900 layers of material, each 60 microns thick, go into a single watch case (for context, one micron is equal to 0.001 millimeters). The titanium powder used for the cases has to be fine-tuned itself to reduce its oxygen content so it won’t explode when exposed to high heat.
Printing Watch cases, rather than using subtractive manufacturing, has allowed Apple to save an estimated 400 metric tons of raw titanium this year. Apple also applied the same 3D-printing process to the USB-C port on the iPhone Air. While they’re not 3D-printing an entire iPhone chassis yet, it sounds like it’s not out of the question. As Sarah Chandler, Apple’s VP of environment and supply chain innovation, mentions in the press release, “We’re never doing something just to do it once — we’re doing it so it becomes the way the whole system then works.”
This is a fascinating look at Apple’s innovative approach to 3D printing! It’s impressive to see how technology is evolving in the watch-making process. The use of titanium and laser techniques really highlights their commitment to quality and precision.
the technology is evolving. It’s interesting to note how this 3D printing method not only enhances design possibilities but also potentially reduces waste in production. Apple seems to be paving the way for more sustainable practices in manufacturing!
Absolutely, the evolution of 3D printing is fascinating! It’s also worth mentioning that using powdered titanium can significantly reduce waste compared to traditional manufacturing methods, making the process more sustainable.