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Apple's Gorgeous Mac Pro Production Methods Video: Impact Extrusion, CNC Milling, Anodizing and More

By Rain Noe - October 25, 2013

in Materials | Object Culture | Digital Fabrication

Back in June, we wondered how Apple's then-forthcoming tube-shaped Mac Pro was manufactured. Following a tip from Don Lehman, we learned it was the process known as impact extrusion, and we assembled a bunch of clips to show you the process.

Well, turns out Apple has put together their own video showing the actual Mac Pro as it goes from an aluminum puck into the Ive-envisioned final cylinder. Attendees of Apple's media event earlier this week were the first members of the public to see it, but thankfully it's now been posted to YouTube. Have a watch:

As you saw, the video also treats us to a rare look inside Apple's actual production facility. (Is it me, or has it become weird to see a factory filled with American workers?) And speaking of that factory: For the true production methods geeks among you, Oregon-based product designer Greg Koenig has gone and listed what he believes are the actual machines Apple's using.

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MariaC

11 years ago

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Perception is EVERYTHING.
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James P

11 years ago

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I still can't figure out what manufacturing techniques they're "pioneering" here.
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Kyle Parisi

11 years ago

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It's interesting that the computers used in the worker area look like new iMacs. I can't help but wonder what kind of software they are using.
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slippyfish

11 years ago

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Ray - Since they are starting with a near net shape from the impact extrusion, there's not as much material cut off as if it were a solid chunk of billet for example. But responsible and sustainable manufacturing in aluminum milling is done in other industries, and I'd imagine here as well. Take a look at this blurb from Chris King, regarding the recycling of aluminum shavings.

http://chrisking.com/company/sustainable_manufacturing
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slippyfish

11 years ago

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I nearly cried.
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Ray Jepson

11 years ago

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Ouch, seems like a lot of material waste. I'm sure it's recycled, but still...
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Thijmen

11 years ago

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Neat video, very nice to get a look inside the facility. The work itself takes me back to my time in the aerosol industry, these are exactly the same production methods (for the housing) but scaled up. Again, very cool production to an high aesthetic standard, but not exactly ground breaking (or hard to guess).

The sheer amount of force needed for this production type is awe inspiring though, take a look at the video on the bottom of my post. This is a machine producing 35 mm diameter earosol cans produces about 150 megatonnes of pressure to do so. Think about scaling this up to the size of a mac pro housing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1zZH4HWwBXI#t=58
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