Apple Patent Application Discloses Process for Creating Scratch-Resistant Stainless Steel
An Apple patent application published yesterday has been gaining some attention for its discussion of a system for creating a nitride layer on the surface of stainless steel components to assist in providing durability and scratch resistance while allowing the natural color and texture of the stainless steel to remain visible.
Cross section of nitrided stainless steel
Apple notes that the nitrided stainless steel components "can be used for a variety of applications, such as to form outer housings for a laptop computer, media players, cell phones or other similar devices." According to Apple's patent application, the stainless steel components are immersed in a high-temperature, nitrogen-based salt bath for up to an hour an half, allowing for nitrogen to penetrate the surface of the steel and combine with chromium atoms in the stainless steel alloy to create a ceramic nitride layer 15-30 microns thick on the surface of the steel.
While some reports have suggested that Apple is considering using the technology in future products, the nitrided stainless steel is likely already in use on the stainless steel band of the iPhone 4 that has garnered significant attention as part of the antenna reception issues experienced by some users. The patent application describing the technology was filed in April 2010 but is essentially identical to a provisional patent application that was filed in April 2009.
Cross section of nitrided stainless steel
Apple notes that the nitrided stainless steel components "can be used for a variety of applications, such as to form outer housings for a laptop computer, media players, cell phones or other similar devices." According to Apple's patent application, the stainless steel components are immersed in a high-temperature, nitrogen-based salt bath for up to an hour an half, allowing for nitrogen to penetrate the surface of the steel and combine with chromium atoms in the stainless steel alloy to create a ceramic nitride layer 15-30 microns thick on the surface of the steel.
While some reports have suggested that Apple is considering using the technology in future products, the nitrided stainless steel is likely already in use on the stainless steel band of the iPhone 4 that has garnered significant attention as part of the antenna reception issues experienced by some users. The patent application describing the technology was filed in April 2010 but is essentially identical to a provisional patent application that was filed in April 2009.
Top Rated Comments
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20 months ago
Wait...isn't this the same metal band that people have complained so much about, in terms of scratches?
20 months ago
Wait...isn't this the same metal band that people have complained so much about, in terms of scratches?
I'd believe it. I have far fewer scratches on my band than I probably should.
20 months ago
While some reports have suggested that Apple is considering using the technology in future products, the nitrided stainless steel is likely already in use on the stainless steel band of the iPhone 4 that has garnered significant attention as part of the antenna reception issues experienced by some users.
If it is used on the iPhone 4 antenna it doesn't work very well. I've already got a couple of marks on mine where stuff has got between the bumper and the stainless steel. :(
20 months ago
The hard plastic interior of my bumper has easily scratched the band of my iPhone 4 (and no, it's not debris, it's a sharp plastic point inside the bumper). If this stuff is in use in the latest phone, it's not very scratch resistant.
20 months ago
I'd believe it. I have far fewer scratches on my band than I probably should.
...and to be fair, I have zero scratches on mine (and I have no protection whatsoever on my phone), but I have seen complaints made by other posters regarding scratches. Especially those with bumpers.
20 months ago
My iPhone 4 has literally ZERO scratches on the band.
I didn't know how that was possible. Now I do.
I didn't know how that was possible. Now I do.
20 months ago
I was actually going to ask of this was already on the iPhone 4s stainless steel band. Because it certainly seems like it.
People need to understand the difference between scratch "resistant" and scratch "proof". NOTHING is scratch proof. However, the i4s band seems to be incredibly scratch resistant. I've dropped my phone on a tile floor directly on the band and it only has a really tiny mark on it now. It bounced a couple times, and that's the only mark on my band. It's not even noticeable, it's just a slightly shinier spot on the band.
It's funny how people who constantly pull their phones in and out of cases get the most scratches. Kinda counter productive. That's why I never use a case, it's always better off without in my opinion. Cuz even when I dropped it I still have almost no scratches. Plus I feel like a case ruins jonys beautiful design
People need to understand the difference between scratch "resistant" and scratch "proof". NOTHING is scratch proof. However, the i4s band seems to be incredibly scratch resistant. I've dropped my phone on a tile floor directly on the band and it only has a really tiny mark on it now. It bounced a couple times, and that's the only mark on my band. It's not even noticeable, it's just a slightly shinier spot on the band.
It's funny how people who constantly pull their phones in and out of cases get the most scratches. Kinda counter productive. That's why I never use a case, it's always better off without in my opinion. Cuz even when I dropped it I still have almost no scratches. Plus I feel like a case ruins jonys beautiful design
20 months ago
My iPhone is naked and still no scratches. I kind of accepted that that's part of using the phone without a case but still haven't noticed anything.
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