Challenge

As consumer demand is continually pushing the boundaries of wearable technology, achieving enhanced water resistance has become a critical goal for OEMs designing high-performance smartwatches. However, moving from the industry-standard 5 ATM rating to a groundbreaking 10 ATM water resistance posed significant challenges in both design and material engineering.

Hoping to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market, a leading smartwatch OEM embarked on this ambitious endeavor. Knowing of Gore’s unparalleled technical expertise in venting solutions, the OEM naturally turned to us for collaboration.

Solution

Gore responded to this challenge with its newly developed 10 ATM membrane technology. The innovative GORE® Pressure Vent for 10 ATM Smartwatches provides superior water resistance while maintaining optimal airflow, ensuring reliable pressure equalization.

Developing this innovative solution required rigorous testing and collaboration. When challenges arose during multiple testing phases, Gore’s engineers engaged closely with the customer's team to seamlessly address these issues. Testing reports were meticulously prepared and shared with the customer, ensuring complete transparency. Ultimately, Gore’s solution passed the OEM’s stringent requirements and was approved for mass production. Paired with a well-stocked supply of raw materials, this strong collaboration enabled Gore to answer the customer’s demands in time and meet the schedule.

The Technology Behind the Solution: GORE® Pressure Vents for 10 ATM Smartwatches

The OEM sought to deliver an extraordinary user experience, enabling divers to explore up to 100 meters underwater with confidence. GORE® Pressure Vents made this possible by offering:

  • Unmatched reliability in underwater conditions.
  • An optimal balance between airflow and water protection.
  • Customizable designs tailored to diverse product requirements.

For more details on specifications and installation guidelines, visit GORE® Pressure Vents for 10 ATM Smartwatches.

Recognizing the integral role of the contract manufacturer (CM) in bringing the product to market, Gore actively built a partnership not only with the OEM but also with the CM. As they were the ones to handle the venting solution in mass production, Gore valued the CM's feedback to continuously enhance the membrane’s workability for the assembly process. This holistic approach included site visits as well as detailed feedback sessions and was highly appreciated by the CM.

 

Result

The strong partnership between Gore, the OEM, and the CM proved critical to the project’s success. Gore’s proactive approach to addressing challenges and ensuring readiness for mass production resulted in:

  • A successful launch of our customer’s first 10 ATM smartwatch.
  • On-schedule processes by the timely delivery of venting solutions. 
  • Strengthened trust with the OEM and their contract manufacturer.

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.