Apple keeps exploring liquidmetal alloys for use in future products

[RaduTyrsina]

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Back in July we were sharing with you the news that according to a new discovered patent, Apple was advancing researches to build a liquid metal iPhone/iPad. Now, PatentlyApple has discovered five new patent applications that the company filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2012 which show Apple still keeps its interest in liquidmetal alloys.

Jack Purcher from PatentlyApple who first found the patents, says the following:

One of Apple's inventions published today relates to methods of constructing a part using bulk metallic glasses (BMG - Liquidmetal) layer by layer. In one embodiment, a layer of BMG powder is deposited to selected positions and then fused to a layer below by suitable methods such as laser heating or electron beam heating. The deposition and fusing are then repeated as need to construct the part layer by layer. One or more layers of non-BMG can be used as needed. In one embodiment, layers of BMG can be cut from one or more sheets of BMG to desired shapes, stacked and fused to form the part. Apple's primary example of this invention focuses in on 3D printing.

Back in 2012, Apple has signed an exclusive deal with California-based company Liquidmetal technologies back in 2010 which was enough for the rumor mill to start spinning. The amorphous metal alloys referred to as Liquidmetal will make it possible for Apple to make stronger, more durable yet thin future products. Most likely, Apple is keeping this technology for future iPhone and iPads, which are Apple’s main products.

The patents also described that working with Liquidmetal alloys, Apple will choose to make use of 3D printing since it is quicker and less expensive than traditional machining of parts.

Source: PatentlyApple