Following Apple’s announcement yesterday regarding its 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt has performed a thorough analysis of the company’s 3D printing methodologies. Here’s what they found.
### Apple Appears to Employ a Technique Mentioned in a Medical Study
Although largely expected from Apple, iFixIt has released a compelling review of how Apple applies 3D printing techniques in its new hardware. In their disassembly of the iPhone Air, iFixIt observed an interesting aspect concerning the device’s 3D-printed USB-C port: a “chainlink-like, circular surface pattern” that confounded 3D printing specialists. At the 50µm scale, this pattern seemed quite unconventional.
iFixIt’s discoveries contradicted previous claims that suggested Apple was utilizing a method known as binder jetting, which combines a powder with a binder material for adhesion. Instead, they uncovered strong evidence that Apple seems to be adopting a technique described in a medical paper from six years prior, which elaborates on the benefits of creating 10-50µm structures on titanium surfaces using pulsed laser ablation to provide anti-bacterial properties in prosthetics. While the iPhone Air’s 3D-printed USB-C does not appear to exhibit such anti-bacterial characteristics, it seems to implement the general technique referenced in the study.
After reviewing Apple’s press release detailing the 3D printing process for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, iFixIt validated some of their conclusions. Apple outlined a method that involves a variety of machines, each equipped with six lasers that construct 900 layers of titanium to form each Apple Watch casing. Although the process was not specifically labeled ‘pulsed laser ablation,’ it supported iFixIt’s findings.
iFixIt elaborated on the benefits of this technique, including the avoidance of overheating the surrounding material, which prevents warping or discoloration, as well as reducing energy or material waste during production. Their article offers insightful perspectives on this pioneering approach.
Furthermore, they examined Apple’s assertion regarding the utilization of “aerospace grade” titanium in the iPhone Air. iFixIt highlighted that this term does not represent an actual titanium grade. Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding Apple’s adoption of 3D printing in some of its products, they remarked that this evolution does not significantly improve repairability, as the method is not conducive to straightforward at-home printing.
In summary, Apple’s progress in 3D printing technology represents a meaningful advancement in manufacturing processes, showcasing cutting-edge techniques that may affect future hardware development while also raising concerns about repairability and material classifications.
