Apple uses Titanium Alloy flat Shell Surface Technology for exposure
Recently, Apple has another related patent granted. The patent license describes a process for creating textured surfaces on titanium alloys. It is reported that an Apple patent last year showed that the company was exploring the possibility of building titanium alloys such as iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
Apple currently offers titanium Apple Watch, and has also offered titanium notebook computers in the past: the PowerBook G4. The product was sold between 2001 and 2003 and was later replaced by aluminum models.
In its original state, the surface of titanium alloy is not attractive, and Apple has explored different ways to make the material look more attractive.
As early as January 2021, the company obtained a patent for semi-gloss treatment (semi-gloss finish) of titanium. The patent is a technical patent involving the process of combining sandblasting and etching with a chemical anodizing process to achieve the desired surface effect. Apple says the former can better hide metal defects, while the latter can provide better protection. Titanium is heavier than aluminum, but it is much stronger, and thinner materials can be used to achieve the same strength and hardness, so the end result is that the shell of titanium alloy is lighter than that of aluminum.
It is understood that from the beginning, the patent describes the challenges posed by the titanium alloy shell. The portable electronic device may include various operating components (e.g., display screen, processor, antenna, etc.). The housings of these portable electronic devices can be formed from various metals (such as anodic alumina, etc.) with high strength and hardness to protect these operating components. In addition, it is best to process these shells to give them an attractive surface luster. However, certain types of metals, although they have high strength and stiffness, are difficult to produce an attractive surface finish. Therefore, it is necessary to implement the technology of processing these specific types of metals.
The patent then describes different ways to create interesting textured surfaces, which confusingly describes it as a matte surface (titanium is matte in its natural state and is often polished).
Of course, Apple has a large number of patents, only a small number of which can actually be used in commercial products.
And Patently Apple points out that this is already the eighth patent related to this material.
