According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is using 3D printing technology to manufacture some of the casings for the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9. This manufacturing process can save a lot of metal material required by traditional CNC machining while reducing production time.
It is reported that Apple uses a technology called “bond jetting”, which can print out the outline of the device close to the actual shape with a powder-like substance. Then, the material is compressed into a steel-like texture by hot pressing and then refined by milling.
It is noticed that Mark Gurman’s revelations are in line with what Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said before. Ming-Chi Kuo said in July that the upcoming second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will include 3D-printed mechanical parts. He also said that Apple is “aggressively embracing 3D printing technology” and that some of the titanium parts in the new Apple Watch Ultra will be 3D printed.
Mark Gurman said that Apple plans to use this new 3D printing method to make the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 casing, but not the Ultra version parts. Either way, it suggests Apple is testing this manufacturing method more aggressively in 2023. Mark Gurman also said that Apple plans to start 3D printing titanium devices in 2024.
If Apple can successfully use 3D printing technology to produce some devices, it can improve production efficiency and reduce costs. Ming-Chi Kuo said that if Apple’s 2023 Apple Watch production proceeds smoothly, 3D printing technology will be applied to more devices in the future.
According to Mark Gurman, Apple and suppliers have been developing 3D printing technology for at least three years. Mark Gurman also confirmed that if the Apple Watch test is successful, Apple will expand this process to more products in the next few years.
