Liquidmetal Inventor: “Apple Will Find a Way to Use This Technology in a Breakthrough Product”

Business Insider spoke with one of the inventors of Liquidmetal, Atakan Peker about the prospect of Apple utilizing his technology in future products. What makes Liquidmetal special is its strong and durable qualities. Apple owns exclusive rights to use Liquidmetal in specifically for cases and enclosures. Peker recalls when he first noticed Apple used his technology–it was the SIM pin ejector in the iPhone 3G box.

Liquidmetal describes the atomic structure of their alloys:

The atomic structure is the most striking characteristic of the Liquidmetal alloys as it fundamentally differentiates Liquidmetal alloys from ordinary metals.

The atomic structure of conventional metals is naturally periodic, where the layout of atomic elements shows repeating crystal patterns over an extended range. This atomic structure is called “crystalline” and limits the overall performance of conventional metals.

Liquidmetal alloys possess an “amorphous” atomic structure, which is truly unique. By contrast to the crystalline structure, no discernable patterns exist in the atomic structure of the unique Liquidmetal alloys. As such, properties superior to the limits of conventional metals can be achieved.

Here’s a snippet of the interview where Peker believes Apple will eventually release a ‘breakthrough product’ using his technology:

Do you know of any other electronic companies that have the rights to use Liquidmetal? If so, how are they using it or how do you think they will use it?

There were electronic companies who used Liquidmetal in the past. Two notable examples are Nokia and Samsung flip phones.

There is still interest from various electronic companies to use Liquidmetal in electronic devices. Although Apple has exclusively licensed Liquidmetal’s technology, I think they will find a way to use this technology as it gets mature.

Peker notes when Apple does release a product using Liquidmetal, it will likely be for a flagship ‘breakthrough product’, and others in the industry will be unable to duplicate it using other materials.

The only Liquidmetal product I know of, is the mimetic poly-alloy T-1000 made by Skynet. I can’t wait for an iPhone that uses this similar technology.

[via Business Insider]

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