The Xiaomi 16 will have a 3D printed metal frame!

The Atomic Layers: S8E10 (00216)

Atomic Layer of the Day:

Could it be that the mystery behind BLT and Farsoon Technologies' recent stock surge on the Chinese market has just been solved? (just kidding… or maybe not?)

Over the weekend, the first leaks emerged regarding Xiaomi’s latest flagship smartphone. The Xiaomi 16 is expected to stand out from the competition, in part due to a metal frame produced using 3D printing technology.

According to leakers from Digital Chat Station, the metal frame will be exclusive to the "Pro" variant. Xiaomi is currently considering aluminum or titanium, but a final decision has yet to be made, as the frame is still undergoing heat resistance testing.

3D printing is being explored primarily to reduce the overall weight of the device. Additionally, leakers suggest that this approach could be financially viable for mass production, adding another compelling reason to adopt the technology.

Beyond the 3D-printed frame, the Xiaomi 16 Pro is also rumored to feature a new side button with a similar function to the Action Button introduced in last year’s iPhone models. Users will be able to customize the button's actions, from AI-powered functions to quick mute toggles.

The new smartphone is expected to launch in October 2024.

Now back to the 3D printing…

Smartphone manufacturers are increasingly adopting 3D printing to reduce weight and optimize size. So far, titanium 3D printed hinges have been featured in the Honor Magic and the recently announced OPPO Find N5. In both cases, the technology was used for foldable screens, allowing for smaller hinge mechanisms and streamlined production (since the hinges are printed in a pre-assembled state).

However, make no mistake—these brands and models aren't market leaders, and in the grand scheme of things, their use of 3D printing has been more of a curiosity than a game-changer.

But Xiaomi entering the space—especially with a mass-market Pro model—changes everything. This will be true large-scale production, and whoever lands the contract (for either part production or 3D printer supply) stands to make a fortune in the long run.

Because Xiaomi won’t be the last. Sooner or later, Huawei, Samsung, and Apple will follow.

And once again, China’s AM industry will receive a massive injection of real, revenue-generating capital—not just investment funding.

If this all plays out as expected, BLT and Farsoon’s current $3 billion valuations might still be on the low side…

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Atomic Layer from the Past:

03-10-2020: FELIXprinters announced the commercial availability of its bioprinter – FELIX BIOprinter.

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News & Gossip:

1. Phrozen has launched the Heat & Mix - a heating and mixing station for bottles of resins for 3D printing. It accommodates most 500/1000 g bottles and offers three modes: short shake, long shake, and heated shake up to 50°C. The device ensures uniform mixing and pre-heating for better print success. Price is $127.49.

2. Nikon AM Synergy Inc. is the first in North America to 3D print with Constellium’s Aheadd CP1 aluminum alloy using the NXG XII 600 system. Available at Nikon’s AM Tech Center in Long Beach, this high-strength, corrosion-resistant material suits aerospace and defense applications.

3. This news isn't particularly new, and I've known about it for a few days either, but it slipped my mind in the heat of other current events... BASF-owned Setup Performance, a chemical and 3D R&D firm in Frontonas, France, is closing. The 30 employees, facing layoffs, protested the decision on March 4 expressing their frustration that they are losing their jobs despite BASF’s €1.3 billion profit in 2024. The closure has sparked outrage, with workers questioning the economic justification behind the job cuts.