If the work with Apple Watches goes to plan, the company will look to expand the process to more products over the next several years Shares of 3D Systems (DDD), Stratasys (SSYS) and Desktop Metal (DM) are rallying on Wednesday following a news report saying Apple (AAPL) is testing the use of 3D printers to produce the steel chassis used by some of its upcoming smartwatches.
TESTING 3D PRINTER USE: Apple is testing the use of 3D printers to produce the steel chassis used by some of its upcoming smartwatches, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The technique would obviate the need to cut large slabs of metal into the product's shape, reducing the time it takes to build devices while also helping the environment by using less material, sources told Bloomberg. If the work with Apple Watches goes to plan, Apple will look to expand the process to more products over the next several years, the people said.
The move to 3D-printed watch cases has been an expensive endeavor for Apple and its suppliers, but it should prove to simplify production and potentially lower costs over time. For now, the cost per watch case with the new process is in line with that of the prior method, the author adds.
PRICE ACTION: In Wednesday afternoon trading, shares of 3D Systems have gained over 4% to $6.40, while Stratasys and Nano Dimension (NNDM) have risen about 3% apiece to $14.45 and $3.14, respectively. Desktop Metal has also jumped almost 16.5% to $1.88.
