Apple has gained an exclusive license to use unique, amorphous metal alloys created by Liquidmetal Technologies.
The deal, revealed in an SEC filing and reported by AppleInsider, gives Apple “a perpetual, worldwide, fully-paid, exclusive license to commercial such intellectual property in the field of electronic products in exchange for a license fee.” The alloys feature an amorphous, non-crystalline structure that gives them a greater strength than comparable aluminum or titanium alloys, or even stainless steel, while offering a scratch and corrosion-resistant exterior.
Liquidmetal also licenses its alloys to defense contractors, sports equipment manufacturers and medical suppliers.