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Next-Generation iPhones Could Adopt 7000 Series Aluminum Used in Apple Watch Sport

X-X said:
WHY, it was standard on pretty much every iPod since the introduction of iPods even on the cheap nanos.
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Because iPhones are machined and machining stainless steel is more expensive than machining aluminum. #1 It requires a large piece of expensive stainless steel. #2 It needs to be done slower. #3 The harder metal eats away at bits more quickly.

Stainless steel iPod pieces were not machined. They were stamped out of sheet metal in a process that takes a few seconds.

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koruki said:
This would definitely fix the rigidity problem of the phones.
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No it would not. All of the aluminum alloys have nearly identical elastic moduli.
 
Would a stronger aluminium negatively impact antenna strength?

In Australia, our largest mobile carrier (Telstra) has a system of determining a devices antenna strength (Blue Tick System) and whether or not the device should be used in rural areas. The iPhone 5c was deemed 'Blue Tick' because of its polycarbonate housing, which didn't impact signal strength. However, the iPhone 5s and 6 weren't recommended for rural coverage because of their aluminium housing.

I was hoping to purchase a new iPhone in the near future, as they can access the new 4G band in Australia (4GX and 4GPlus) of which the major telcos are now rolling out across the nation.

Thanks!
 
mdelvecchio said:
question -- what hype? where did apple hype up that it bought the rights to LM? people on these sites did, but i never saw apple hype it.
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That's what I meant. It was all over the site for a while. Never stated Apple hyped it up.
 
So that means less bending in 6plus S? Cant wait to get my hands on the 6plus S. My 5 is just aching to be upgraded.
 
rdlink said:
Well, remember what your mom used to say about assuming. I don't text and drive, because I have CarPlay.

But I do sometimes walk and text when I have other things in my hand.
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Well, I was just making a joke. But I find it interesting that you think using CarPlay is not texting while driving. Also, that you would assume my mom said anything about that. :cool:
 
JAT said:
Well, I was just making a joke. But I find it interesting that you think using CarPlay is not texting while driving. Also, that you would assume my mom said anything about that. :cool:
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Well, you're right on both counts. Using CarPlay is technically texting while driving. But it is far safer than texting directly from the phone, and I don't have to hold my phone while doing it (Look Ma! No hands!).

And I shouldn't assume your mother told you not to assume. I was just thinking she gave you good advice on key topics. :cool:
 
Liquid Metal?

What about Liquid Metal? Have Apple lost interest in one of their most promising material?
 
Millah said:
6000 Series Aluminum. Likely an alloy 6061-T6. Commonly known as "Aircraft grade" aluminum. Which I've always found funny, because the aerospace industry uses 5052-H32 alloy just as much.

Anyway, 7000 series is a step up and fairly uncommon. 5052 alloys are the most common in my experience working in sheetmetal, and 6000 alloys are used sparingly for certain circumstances. 7000 series is used in only very specific circumstances. 5000 and 6000 alloys are seen as strong/light enough for most applications.

You know the flight recorder "black boxes?" They're made from 5052-H32. And those things are designed to withstand a plane crash. So 7000 is used in only extreme cases of strength/weight optimizations.

Btw, 7000 is very hard to machine due to being so much harder than 6000. So for those of you complaining that $350 is expensive, I'm frankly STUNNED that Apple is producing a mass market product intricately machined out of a 7000 alloy and only charging $350. That is simply unbelievable, a true display of their design and manufacturing excellence.
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Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I enjoyed reading it, and have learned something new.
 
alloy development

Millah said:
6000 Series Aluminum. Likely an alloy 6061-T6. Commonly known as "Aircraft grade" aluminum. Which I've always found funny, because the aerospace industry uses 5052-H32 alloy just as much.

Anyway, 7000 series is a step up and fairly uncommon. 5052 alloys are the most common in my experience working in sheetmetal, and 6000 alloys are used sparingly for certain circumstances. 7000 series is used in only very specific circumstances. 5000 and 6000 alloys are seen as strong/light enough for most applications.

You know the flight recorder "black boxes?" They're made from 5052-H32. And those things are designed to withstand a plane crash. So 7000 is used in only extreme cases of strength/weight optimizations.

Btw, 7000 is very hard to machine due to being so much harder than 6000. So for those of you complaining that $350 is expensive, I'm frankly STUNNED that Apple is producing a mass market product intricately machined out of a 7000 alloy and only charging $350. That is simply unbelievable, a true display of their design and manufacturing excellence.
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Hi, I could not resist to comment on that. I am doing a PhD in metallurgy and I am following closely this new hype that Apple has on metals. I know for sure (from really informed sources) that 2 years ago Apple hired all the alloy development team of Questek, a firm that is specialised in high-end alloy development with really impressive computational tools.
I can speculate that Apple is actually using the Al alloy developed at Questek (http://www.questek.com/alurium-7050-alloy.html) on their new Apple Watch.

I'am really looking forward to see what new alloy Apple is developing for its new products, exciting time for a material scientist :D

/Alvise
 
Yes, and i bet we'll pay for it too.

I prefer the term "Aloho' man!!" :)

More work in the design to "protect against scratches" Apple just fails to realize, like most others do, that if u severe damage, nothing will stop that..

I'd rather have a good quality iPhone just the 6 or even the 5s, then to say "Thank goodness i can throw the phone around more now its got "extra protection" it otherwise didn't have."

The fundamentals of this has shifted from the consumer deciding, to the manufacture/company who makes it, deciding, with means consumers no longer have a choice other than not to buy it.

Gimmie the old plastic crap any-day or current
 
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