Apple's Using 3D Printing in the iPhone Air
15 days ago
- #Sustainability
- #Apple
- #3D Printing
- Apple's iPhone Air features a 3D-printed USB-C port made from recycled titanium, showcasing advanced engineering and sustainability efforts.
- The 3D printing process, using laser powder bed fusion, saves 33% to 50% in material consumption compared to traditional methods.
- Microscope analysis revealed a unique 'crop circle' pattern on the USB-C port, suggesting the use of pulsed laser ablation for precision.
- Apple's choice of 3D printing aligns with its carbon neutrality goals, saving over 400 metric tons of titanium annually.
- The 'aerospace grade' titanium used is a custom alloy, likely recycled from Apple's own manufacturing waste, adding ferrochrome for 3D printing suitability.
- Despite the innovation, the 3D-printed parts do not significantly impact repairability, as Apple does not release print files for public use.
- The technology's current application is limited to small, low-volume parts, indicating a cautious approach to scaling 3D printing in manufacturing.