Apple has reportedly licensed a number of amorphous metal alloys with unique atomic structures. The alloys – which are harder than titanium or aluminum – could be used to design mobile devices that are stronger, lighter and more resistant to corrosion.
“Apple’s interest in a company like Liquidmetal is no surprise, given its constant desire to create smaller and thinner devices,” explained AppleInsider’s Neil Hughes.
“Past devices where Liquidmetal’s technology was utilized include the Nokia Vertu smartphone, Sandisk Sansa media player and Sandisk U3 Smart thumb drives.”
According to LiquidMetal, the company’s alloys are 2.5 times the strength of commonly used titanium alloy and 1.5 times the hardness of stainless steel found in portable electronic devices.
“As the demand for product ‘miniaturization’ continues in the electronic casings industry, Liquidmetal alloys enable smaller, thinner and more durable designs.
“Current casings technology is pushed to the limit in supporting these new designs and specifications, especially requirements for larger LCD screens, thinner wall sections and pure metallic surface finishes for products such as mobile phones, PDA’s and cameras.”
