OPPO has unveiled its latest foldable smartphone, the Find N5, using a new hinge technology. The folding mechanism is one of the biggest challenges for foldables, as it has to be stable, flexible and compact at the same time. In collaboration with Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), OPPO has manufactured the hinge from titanium using metal 3D printing. This not only made the component more robust, but also 26% more compact than the previous model.
Additive manufacturing enables a layer-by-layer construction method in which titanium powder is fused with a laser. This makes it possible to create particularly thin-walled yet stable designs. In the case of the Find N5, the thickness of the hinge has been reduced from 0.3 mm to 0.15 mm, which increases rigidity by 36%. In addition, the use of ultra-high-strength steel with a yield strength of 2000 MPa improves the durability of the mechanism. OPPO has received TÜV Rheinland certification for the design of the hinge.
The Find N5 combines the advantages of a foldable device with the handiness of a classic smartphone. When closed, it is only 8.93 mm thick and weighs 229 g, making it one of the lightest foldables. An aluminum frame and nanocrystalline glass provide additional stability. The Find N5 is also the world’s first foldable smartphone with IPX9 certification to protect against water ingress.
By using metal 3D printing, OPPO shows how additive manufacturing can improve the quality of foldable smartphones.
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