Apple Watch Series 9 could be 3D printed

He Apple Watch Series 9 will be one of the products that will be presented to the public on September 12 at the event thirst for miracles. Although not too significant changes are expected compared to the 2022 model, a very interesting fact has now been revealed that could change the perception of the importance of smartwatches. These are the ones in Cupertino they could release it in a version with a 3D printed box.

Be careful, first you need to clarify something important. Today it is very common to associate the term “3D printing” with the work that anyone can do at home with thermoplastics if they have the right equipment. However, this method is broader and covers much more complex processes. And no, before you think wrong, Apple has no plans to release the Watch Series 9 with a plastic case..

As reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Cupertino experimenting with stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 cases. The company will seek not only to optimize production, but also to reduce the amount of materials needed for this process.

A well-known journalist notes that the initiative is not entirely new among those led by Tim Cook. Apple and its suppliers have been exploring the possibility of 3D printing for at least three years. However, only recently the possibility of using it in the production process of the Apple Watch Series 9 began to gain momentum.

The choice of stainless steel to test this method of manufacture was not whimsical. The announced Apple Watch is significantly more expensive than those with an aluminum case, and makes up a smaller percentage of device sales – about 10%, Gurman points out. This would allow Cupertino residents to operate with less demand. which would be ideal for process improvement. Thus, the company could be prepared to apply them to other products in the future.

Apple Watch Series 9 with stainless steel case can be 3D printed

Although 3D printing is already being tested on the Apple Watch Series 9 with a stainless steel case, It is not yet clear if this method will produce units that will go on sale from day one.. Or, on the other hand, Cupertino manufacturers plan to integrate them into their deliveries later. Most likely, users will not be able to distinguish which smartwatch is made by which process. Although it would not be strange if the company took advantage of the September 12th event to talk more about this technique.

What is 3D printing of the Apple Watch Series 9? Apple is experimenting with a process known as Bonding jitteror “Binder Injection”. For this, a powdered material is used, to which, as the name suggests, a binder is added.

To complete the printing of the product (in this case, the Apple Watch Series 9 case), we proceed to its sintering. This means exposing it to high levels of temperature and pressure, before reaching its melting point, to compact and harden it. After completion of the procedure, the product passes through a milling machine to obtain the final shape.

Technology that also works for Apple Watch Ultra

This method a priori may seem like a much more efficient alternative to the current way Apple Watch is manufactured. Recall that until now, stainless steel smartwatch cases have been made by machining parts on a CNC lathe.

It will also be interesting to see if 3D printing can create a watch with a stainless steel case. be cheaper. Today in Spain, the difference between the starting price of the said version (852 euros) and the aluminum version (502 euros) is 350 euros.

If the people of Cupertino support this initiative, we may see it implemented in our other products in the short term. While Apple took the first step by 3D printing the Series 9 watch in stainless steel, starting in 2024, the same process will be applied to the titanium case of the Apple Watch Ultra..