Apple/Liquidmetal patent hints at high-volume production capabilities

In the past, Apple was able to sneak Liquidmetal into production by building the SIM ejector tool using the material. Now, it looks like Apple and Liquidmetal Technologies’ joint venture company, Crucible Intellectual Property, is preparing for mass volume production through manufacturing techniques found in a new patent called “Bulk amorphous alloy sheet forming processes”.

Since the metal is expensive,  liquidmetal won’t be replacing the aluminum shells of iOS or OS X devices anytime soon. However, it could easily replace glass in some areas, since it is strong and radio transparent.

No matter the case, it’s intriguing to see the progress with this new technology and this patent seems to indicate its high-volume debut may be nearing.

(via Engadget)