The consumer electronics industry may usher in a new round of manufacturing process changes, and 3D printing technology may become a key factor in changing the existing supply chain.

Fifteen years ago, Apple took the lead in adopting CNC (CNC machine tool) direct cutting and forming technology, breaking the limitations of the traditional metal die-casting process and making CNC quickly become the mainstream production method in the manufacturing industry. Now, Apple has chosen to integrate 3D printing technology into its upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra. According to Apple's usual practice, it may also be applied to iPhone and iPad in the near future. This change is expected to completely change its manufacturing process.

Apple Watch Series 9 - 3D printed stainless steel
Apple Watch Series 8, pictures from the Internet

Recently, Bloomberg reported that Apple is exploring metal binder jetting (BJ) technology to 3D print the steel chassis of its smart watch, which is the Apple Watch Series 9 that will be released on September 12. Previously, Apple had been forging and cutting raw materials into small pieces of metal approximately the size of a watch, and then using CNC to cut and create precise holes. The new 3D printing technology can print out a rough watch chassis in powder form that is close to the actual shape, then degreasing and sintering it to densify it, and finally precision processing to obtain the finished product.

Adhesive 3D printed titanium watch case, picture from Wuhan Yizhi

Although the report did not specifically disclose the supplier of metal binder jetting technology, potential options include HP, GE Additive, voxeljet, Markforged, Desktop Metal, and Wuhan Easy Manufacturing. In addition, there is a high possibility that it is Foxconn. Because since 2022, the large contract manufacturing company has been working with Spanish startup Triditive to develop metal binder jetting technology. Foxconn said it intends to use it for large-scale series manufacturing of small precision industrial parts, which is a perfect fit for the 3D printed casing of the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Ultra2- 3D printed titanium alloy

Apple Watch Ultra, pictures from the Internet

In July, well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued an article saying that based on his latest survey of suppliers, Apple is actively adopting 3D printing technology. It is expected that some titanium mechanical parts of the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra released this fall will use 3D printing technology. manufacture. At the same time, Ming-Chi Kuo also directly named the 3D printer suppliers as Farsoon Hi-Tech and Platinum.

SLM metal 3D printing process demonstration, pictures from the Internet

According to the resource library, the 3D printing equipment promoted by these two companies is mainly selective laser powder bed fusion SLM metal 3D printer, which is different from the BJ binder jetting technology mentioned above. This technology mainly uses high-power density lasers to completely melt and fuse metal powders, thereby producing nearly finished parts with close to full density (relative density up to 99.9%).

According to people familiar with the matter, Apple and suppliers have been developing 3D printing technology for at least three years. Apple's purpose of adopting this technology is not only to save materials and time, but also to reduce waste. The most important thing is to adopt a more environmentally friendly manufacturing method, which will also make it possible to further reduce costs. However, it is still in its infancy, and the key factors that determine the widespread application of 3D printing in the field of consumer electronics include: large-scale production capabilities, adaptability to automated assembly lines, and yield control.

However, Apple's introduction of 3D printing technology is important news for the entire industry, and the story continues. If Apple is successful, other large manufacturers may follow its lead and expand the use of 3D printing technology in the market.