Metallic glass could encase future Apple products

**SOUTHPAW** · 08-10-2010 07:00 PM

In a move that promises a future of higher performance, cheaper and more elegant iPhone, Macbook and desktop casings, Apple has signed an exclusive deal with Liquidmetal Technologies, a company that makes a special metallic glass.

Unlike regular metal products, which have a crystal structure that prevents die casting and provides natural points for dents and scratches to form, Liquidmetal Technologies’ "amorphous" metal combines the strength of steel with a low weight and die cast compatibility.

Liquidmetal Technologies produces an amorphous metal called Vitreloy, which is primarily composed of zircon. Used mainly for sporting equipment so far, the company has also produced components of cell phone cases in the past, said William Johnson, former vice chairman of technology at Liquidmetal Technologies, professor of materials science at Caltech and inventor of Vitreloy.

"The material is durable, hard, scratch resistant, and can be processed thermo-plastically at relatively low temperature," Johnson told TechNewsDaily.

Vitreloy "tends to be lighter than steel, a bit heavier than titanium. You can produce complex, three-dimensional shapes pretty well."

Vitreloy "tends to be lighter than steel, a bit heavier than titanium. You can produce complex, three dimensional shapes pretty well."

By replacing the current metal and plastic cases with Vitreloy, Apple can drastically increase the toughness of their products while reducing the weight. But whether or not this move will reduce the cost remains to be seen.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38640576...h_and_gadgets/

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What's so special about this metal, you ask?

- With approximately 2.5 times the strength of commonly used titanium alloy and 1.5 times the hardness of commonly used stainless steel, Liquidmetal alloys enable sophisticated, engineered designs required by the evolution of new technologies
- Enables thinner, smaller designs while providing greater protection for internal components
- Permits thinner walls while providing greater strength
- Allows larger, wider screens for expanded features and capabilities
- With precision net-shape casting, Liquidmetal alloys can be readily fashioned into intricate, innovative designs resulting in a unique aesthetic advantage
- Excellent durability
- Scratch and corrosion resistant
- Non-reactive

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/liq...000,11039.html

**LANCE SVRETHRVST** · 08-10-2010 07:14 PM

*waits for the poor forum members to shit on apple products*

**Snake** · 08-10-2010 08:19 PM

How does this material affect radio waves?

**nakedrear** · 08-12-2010 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Lance Surethrust

*waits for the poor forum members to shit on apple products*

Apple truly is the brand of snobs. I don't think I've ever seen a typical spoiled rich kid ever pull anything out of his bag but an Apple. He'd probably hang himself rather than pull out a Toshiba or something like the peasants do. Best part is, the benefits of buying a higher end computer are completely lost on these people. They just want to check facebook, and look good doing it.

**LANCE SVRETHRVST** · 08-12-2010 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by nakedrear

Apple truly is the brand of snobs. I don't think I've ever seen a typical spoiled rich kid ever pull anything out of his bag but an Apple. He'd probably hang himself rather than pull out a Toshiba or something like the peasants do. Best part is, the benefits of buying a higher end computer are completely lost on these people. They just want to check facebook, and look good doing it.

i strongly agree

**Neo_Pop** · 08-12-2010 09:23 PM

So, the T-1000 will have an Apple logo on it. I will enjoy shooting it full of lead and dropping it in molten metal.

**LANCE SVRETHRVST** · 08-13-2010 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by nakedrear

Apple truly is the brand of snobs. I don't think I've ever seen a typical spoiled rich kid ever pull anything out of his bag but an Apple. He'd probably hang himself rather than pull out a Toshiba or something like the peasants do. Best part is, the benefits of buying a higher end computer are completely lost on these people. They just want to check facebook, and look good doing it.

I am better than you.