Last Friday Ming-Chi Kuo posted research notes on Apple that indicated that Apple is actively adopting 3D printing technology, and it’s expected that some of the titanium mechanical parts of the 2H23 new Apple Watch Ultra will be made by 3D printing.

Today Kuo updated his report regarding 3D printing and presented a few extra points:

• If the 3D printing industry grows rapidly due to Apple’s adoption, the supply of laser components may be tight.
• Titanium is the most commonly used metal in 3D printing production, with a wide range of applications such as medical and aerospace. This may be one of the main reasons for Apple to start with titanium components when adopting 3D printing technology.
• 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process, which is less wasteful compared to CNC subtractive manufacturing. Since the price of titanium is higher, the titanium parts produced by 3D printing are more cost-effective.
• The world’s thinnest folding machine, Magic V2, just released by Glory, also uses 3D printing technology. The titanium shaft cover can increase strength with reduced thickness. Honor’s 3D printing supply chain includes IPG Photonics (laser components), Golden Sun Abrasives (surface treatment) and BLT (3D printers). Below is a 3D printing image of Honor's folding smartphone hinge made with 3D printers.

(Click on Image to enlarge)