The 3D-printed titanium frame of the Apple Watch Ultra will be made from 3D-printed aluminum. The use of 3D printing will reduce waste in line with Apple's goal of becoming a more sustainable company through more sustainable manufacturing. Bloomberg reported today that Apple is also testing 3D-printed aluminum frames for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Aluminum is a challenging metal to use in 3D printing. It reflects laser light, oxidizes, and requires a printing chamber with rare gases for good results. But Apple believes 3D printing is more sustainable than the CNC machines used in MacBooks and the castings used today.
Initially, the 3D-printed aluminum frame will be developed for the Apple Watch first because of the experience with 3D-printed titanium for the Watch Ultra. It will then be developed for the iPhone, which requires a larger frame.
