Apple Tests Using 3D Printers to Make Devices in Major Manufacturing Shift
- New approach will use less material and be more eco-friendly
- Company is trying out the process with steel Apple Watches
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Apple Inc. is testing the use of 3D printers to produce the steel chassis used by some of its upcoming smartwatches, according to people with knowledge of the matter, heralding a major change to how the company manufactures products.
The technique would obviate the need to cut large slabs of metal into the product’s shape. That would reduce the time it takes to build devices while also helping the environment by using less material, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan is private.