Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer OPPO has introduced the world's first "Zero-Feel Crease" display in its flagship Find N6 foldable smartphone, achieved through 3D liquid printing technology. This breakthrough demonstrates how additive manufacturing techniques are increasingly applied to consumer product design and mass production.
The Foldable Display Challenge
Since the introduction of commercial foldable smartphones, the visible crease at the hinge has been one of the most persistent design challenges. This crease occurs because:
- Traditional hinges require mechanical clearance between moving parts
- Display components must flex without damaging the screen layers
- Precision alignment of multiple components is difficult at scale
These microscopic gaps at the hinge create visible lines that affect both aesthetics and user experience. OPPO's solution eliminates these gaps through a novel 3D printing approach.
How 3D Liquid Printing Works
3D liquid printing, also known as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) printing or resin-based additive manufacturing, uses photopolymer resins that cure under UV light. The technology offers several advantages for precision components:
- High resolution (25-50 micron layer heights)
- Smooth surface finishes without post-processing
- Excellent dimensional accuracy
- Complex geometries possible in single production steps
For the Find N6, OPPO used this technology to manufacture precise hinge components that eliminate the gaps previously causing the visible crease.
Implications for Consumer Electronics Manufacturing
This application demonstrates that additive manufacturing is not limited to prototyping or industrial applications. Key insights include:
Mass production viability: If a flagship smartphone manufacturer is using 3D printed components in high-volume production (millions of units), the technology has clearly matured beyond hobbyist applications.
Design integration: Rather than simply replacing existing manufacturing methods, 3D printing enables entirely new design approaches that were previously impossible.
Material innovation: The resins used in these applications must meet demanding requirements for durability, UV stability, and compatibility with electronic components.
Consumer Electronics: An Emerging AM Vertical
Beyond smartphones, additive manufacturing is making inroads across consumer electronics:
- Wearable devices: Custom-fit earbuds and smartwatches with personalized geometries
- Home electronics: Housings and enclosures with complex internal structures
- Accessories: Phone cases and protective gear with integrated functionality
- Audio equipment: Speaker grilles and acoustic components with optimized geometries
From Aerospace to Consumer Products
OPPO's use of 3D printing reflects a broader pattern: technologies first developed for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications are increasingly accessible for consumer products. The same SLA and DLP technologies used to produce dental restorations and aerospace brackets now enable smartphone innovations.
For manufacturers considering 3D printing services for consumer products, the technology offers:
- Rapid iteration during product development
- Customization and personalization capabilities
- Complex geometries without assembly
- Reduced time-to-market for new designs
What This Means for Your Business
Whether you are developing consumer electronics, wearable devices, or custom enclosures, additive manufacturing can enable design innovations previously constrained by traditional manufacturing methods. From SLA 3D printing for smooth, high-precision components to CNC machining for functional prototypes, modern manufacturing services offer flexibility for product development and low-volume production.
PrintVX provides comprehensive 3D printing and CNC machining services for prototyping and low-volume production, supporting product development across consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, and other industries.