Apple 3D prints titanium chassis for Apple Watch — additive manufacturing cuts raw material usage in half

Apple has started using additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to create titanium chassis for Apple Watches and USB-C port receptacles for the iPhone Air. By using recycled titanium powder, Apple is able to reduce material usage significantly while maintaining the products' aesthetics and strength. This marks the first time Apple has implemented additive manufacturing for a mass-market device. The company has invested in specialized metal 3D printers and processes to achieve precise layering and intricate designs that traditional manufacturing methods cannot replicate. Apple plans to expand its use of additive manufacturing beyond these initial products, signaling a shift in how future devices will be designed and produced.