Apple details iPad Pro’s new unibody enclosure design, manufacture, and flatness tolerance

Apple on Friday published a support document which details the new iPad Pro’s unibody enclosure design, manufacture, and flatness tolerance.
Apple explains:
iPad Pro cellular models now feature Gigabit-class LTE, with support for more cellular bands than any other tablet. To provide optimal cellular performance, small vertical bands or “splits” in the sides of the iPad allow parts of the enclosure to function as cellular antennas. For the first time ever on an iPad, these bands are manufactured using a process called co-molding. In this high-temperature process, plastic is injected into precisely milled channels in the aluminum enclosure where it bonds to micro-pores in the aluminum surface. After the plastic cools, the entire enclosure is finished with a precision CNC machining operation, yielding a seamless integration of plastic and aluminum into a single, strong enclosure.
These precision manufacturing techniques and a rigorous inspection process ensure that these new iPad Pro models meet an even tighter specification for flatness than previous generations. This flatness specification allows for no more than 400 microns of deviation across the length of any side — less than the thickness of four sheets of paper. The new straight edges and the presence of the antenna splits may make subtle deviations in flatness more visible only from certain viewing angles that are imperceptible during normal use. These small variances do not affect the strength of the enclosure or the function of the product and will not change over time through normal use.
In the document, Apple explains what to do if you believe you have an issue with your iPad Pro enclosure:
If you believe your new iPad Pro does not meet the specifications described in this article, please contact Apple Support. Apple offers a 14-day return policy for products purchased directly from Apple. Apple also provides up to a one-year warranty on our products and will cover damage if it has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
Source: Apple Inc.
MacDailyNews Take: As we’ve written throughout this latest “gate” issue, “If your iPad Pro is warped out of the box, return it within the 14-day return window for a new one.”
SEE ALSO:
Apple’s gaslighting over bent iPads is a stunning response to a serious problem – December 27, 2018
Apple’s Dan Riccio says 2018 iPad Pro ‘meets or exceeds’ quality standards of design and precision – December 21, 2018
Apple says some 2018 iPad Pro units ship with bent chassis, but they don’t consider it a defect – December 20, 2018