Smartphone Coatings: Why They Matter for Protection & Performance
Smartphone Coatings on manufacturing processes involve surface engineered solutions at various levels. One fascinating example is the application of High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) technology in the production of the new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
HiPIMS is based on the use of specialized power supplies to generate a high-density plasma for Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes. This technology allows for the deposition of high-quality, dense, and adherent coatings on various substrates, enhancing the durability and performance of the final product.
In the case of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, Apple has introduced a new Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers four times better drop performance than previous models. This improvement is likely achieved through the application of advanced surface engineering techniques, such as HiPIMS, to deposit a tough and resilient ceramic coating on the glass surface.
As someone who has worked on projects involving HiPIMS coatings with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) spanning from TRL3 to TRL8, I have had the opportunity to design coatings for various applications, including wind turbine generators, PEM electrolyzers for green hydrogen production, machining tools for nickel-based alloys in the aeronautical industry, and electro-dewatering of sewage sludge.
The TechCrunch article linked below highlights some of the benefits of coatings for end products, specifically in the context of the new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro release. It is exciting to see how advanced surface engineering technologies, such as HiPIMS, are being integrated into consumer products, improving their durability, performance, and overall user experience.
https://techcrunch-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/techcrunch.com/2020/10/20/review-iphone-12-and-iphone-12-pro-two-gems-one-jewel/amp/