Foldable smartphones are rapidly transitioning from "niche gadgets" to "mainstream devices," driving a surge in market penetration. As the "heart" of the foldable, the hinge is undergoing a profound manufacturing shift from "subtractive" to "additive" processes. In manufacturing hubs, metal 3D printing lines have evolved from laboratory novelties into the core battlefield for fulfilling million-unit orders.
During R&D and mass production, Metal 3D Printing (SLM/LPBF) is replacing the traditional "MIM + CNC" process. Hinges require high strength and extreme thinness within minimal space, featuring complex internal structures like wing plates and cams. Traditional methods required separate processing and assembly, taking 2-3 months and leaving gaps that affected durability. Metal 3D printing integrally forms these components in one step, reducing part count by 50% and production time to under 15 days. This eliminates gaps, significantly enhancing reliability and achieving a thickness of only 0.15mm.
Regarding materials and process, high-power lasers melt Titanium Alloy (TC4) powder layer by layer to build internal lightweight lattice structures—topology optimizations impossible for CNC. Mature high-precision equipment allows one-time printing of 0.15mm wing plates, ensuring tensile strength up to 2200MPa and boosting material utilization to over 95%, drastically reducing titanium waste. For instance, the OPPO Find N5 uses 3D printed hinge cores to achieve a breakthrough in both lightness and durability.
For post-processing, printed blanks require rigorous treatment. Mature workflows include Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) to ensure density, followed by CNC finishing of key mating surfaces (precision ±0.02mm) and chemical polishing to reduce friction. Parts must pass coordinate measuring inspections and 200,000-cycle folding tests to meet "zero-defect" standards.
Supply chain selection criteria have shifted from simple "printing capability" to "mass delivery capability." Many small shops lack the equipment or capacity for million-unit orders, often resulting in defects like cracking.
ARES Company has cultivated metal 3D printing for years, possessing "high-precision equipment + multi-laser matrix + full-link post-processing." We provide one-stop services from prototyping to mass production. Our robust information security system ensures design safety and consistent quality. For foldable hinge or precision metal part printing needs, please contact us.
