Request: Metal Back - Moto 360

I'm not sure the actual reasoning behind Moto's choice for a plastic back, but based on the reports of backs cracking the plastic seems really brittle. I wonder if it's not an ABS plastic, and that's why it cracks so easily.
I'd love to see someone fab a metal alternative. Maybe something out of AL or otherwise. The overall shape doesn't seem difficult, but maybe for cost sake would be "cheaper" to stamp than fab.
Open to input.

I contacted the 3d printing company for a backcover solution. They can produce something to reinforce the back as it is to breakable now. Mine broke like after 2 days. And I cant send it back cause im from the Netherlands. I need someone to come up with someting to protect it for breaking any further.

640k said:
I'm not sure the actual reasoning behind Moto's choice for a plastic back, but based on the reports of backs cracking the plastic seems really brittle. I wonder if it's not an ABS plastic, and that's why it cracks so easily.
I'd love to see someone fab a metal alternative. Maybe something out of AL or otherwise. The overall shape doesn't seem difficult, but maybe for cost sake would be "cheaper" to stamp than fab.
Open to input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QI charging will not work through a metal back.
Sent from my XT1049 using XDA Free mobile app

Cyphir said:
QI charging will not work through a metal back.
Sent from my XT1049 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
induction charging will gain interference with a metal back, but depending on thickness and material, you can mitigate this appropriately. The watch doesn't need thick metal, just something with more substance than what's currently there.

could look into a 3d printed option too!

Why is this in accessories?
Sent from my XT1096 using XDA Free mobile app

Related

Aluminum battery cover?

Anyone know if an aluminum battery cover exist for the EVO? I would imagine it would help out a lot with heat dissipation.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I would assume that would make your pants and hand hot.
Though my pants are hot enough
It would look badass.
It'd be really hard to machine it though, so I don't expect one anytime soon.
I suspect it might screw with the reception of the antennas arrayed around the edge of the back.
I'd also imagine it would not look pretty for very long. It would get scratched and/or dented easily.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
wuclan48 said:
I'd also imagine it would not look pretty for very long. It would get scratched and/or dented easily.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the original Droid and Droid X both have metal covers, and my old Motorola v.60 was a totally metal phone...They're common enough and certainly more durable than plastic. With a brushed or black anodized finish it would hold up just fine.

Metal Battery Cover

Take a look on ebay, brushed metal battery covers are out and they are definitely appealing! This will make my Note more eye-candy!!
http://stores.ebay.com/EasyTradingCo/_i.html?_nkw=Galaxy+Note+Metal&submit=Search&_sid=269585176
That looks very good. Thank's for the link!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Woah you better choose the color right the first time!
If you want to order other color instead of this one, you can leave us a note when you check out. Happy Bidding!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wont't the metal affect the antenna?
Spuggi said:
wont't the metal affect the antenna?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was wondering also.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Spuggi said:
wont't the metal affect the antenna?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The covers are probably plastic with metal painting, like in cars.
If it was all metal, it will interferre too much with the antennas on the device. This thing has GSM, WiFi, bluetooth, FM Radio, GPS antennas.
vcespon said:
The covers are probably plastic with metal painting, like in cars.
If it was all metal, it will interferre too much with the antennas on the device. This thing has GSM, WiFi, bluetooth, FM Radio, GPS antennas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do MOST HTC PHONES AND THEY ARE FINE... GEEZ!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
And it does say "metal plated" in the description anyway.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
daddymatt said:
And it does say "metal plated" in the description anyway.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you think it'll be ok?
If you get one, please let us know how your fingers lile having to open the metal cover without resorting to tools of any kind yes?
Also a general look and feel. Wether or not it's as stiff or even more so than the plastic version. How it affects reception and weight and general handling of the device.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Stahlseele said:
If you get one, please let us know how your fingers lile having to open the metal cover without resorting to tools of any kind yes?
Also a general look and feel. Wether or not it's as stiff or even more so than the plastic version. How it affects reception and weight and general handling of the device.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested in this as well as the factory plastic cover has quite a bit of flex to it, which seems necessary for removal. Metal may be too rigid.
ericshmerick said:
I'm interested in this as well as the factory plastic cover has quite a bit of flex to it, which seems necessary for removal. Metal may be too rigid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I watched a video review and the reviewer of one for the S2 mainly said:
It doesn't affect the sensors, signal, etc.
It adds weight and a little bulk
It is a little hard to take off
I'm kind of worried about metal conducting heat and becoming super hot.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Hmm, cheap metallic paint. Go for it
macwilson said:
Hmm, cheap metallic paint. Go for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what it looks like... it also says "metal plated"... that means this is plastic with a metal coating of some sort. It will probably still flex like the plastic...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Another thing. These are made for these rather cool, extremely tough/ flexible (key word here is: extremely flexible) plastic.
You do NOT want to use metal. You would probably really **** the thing up.
Just a thought.
If you want metal, get a metal case that has a plastic/rubber coat for protection of the finish (not the other way around).
Actually, thinking about this, this fake metal case is sounding better
I found one for $14 on ebay. For that price, I'll try it out.
Jmlee915 said:
I found one for $14 on ebay. For that price, I'll try it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think should be this http://www.ebay.com/itm/270878249585?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
if any one use it please let us know
for me i just wanna wait little bit till become more cheap little bit
Just bought one! Will let you guys know how it goes.
To test if metal affects reception of any if the radios, an external thin plate of metal can be used. See if any signal drops. I am looking for such a metal sheet but no luck so far. You guys can give it a try may be.

Budget metal bumper

I'm on a REALLY tight budget, and I've found this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aluminum-Bu...VG/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1352551327&sr=8-67
Has somebody tried it before? Do the cover-buttons have a good response (is much more force needed to make them "click")? Any suggestions?
while it might provide a unique look to your phone, i'm not sure how much 'protection' a metal bumper will give.
once that aluminum meets concrete, it'll scratch/dent and it wont look as pretty.
I had an Element Case Vapor AR15-V when it was released for the iP4. I loved the look but it killed my reception..
I don't think/know if the S3 would fall victim to such an issue..
alt0160 said:
while it might provide a unique look to your phone, i'm not sure how much 'protection' a metal bumper will give.
once that aluminum meets concrete, it'll scratch/dent and it wont look as pretty.
I had an Element Case Vapor AR15-V when it was released for the iP4. I loved the look but it killed my reception..
I don't think/know if the S3 would fall victim to such an issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The aesthetic side of it is of no importance for me. On the reception issue, it was reportedly due to the antenna being linked to a section of the metal frame the iPhones had, so no problem here regarding the S3 i pressume.
Myscha said:
After breaking the front glass of my SGSIII yesterday while wearing a silicone bumper, I'm going to buy a new glass (this one) on Amazon, but I think I need something stronger than silicone or TPU.
The thing is I'm on a REALLY tight budget, and I've found this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aluminum-Bu...VG/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1352551327&sr=8-67
Has somebody tried it before? Do the cover-buttons have a good response (is much more force needed to make them "click")? Any suggestions? Please, halp, I don't want to go through the same ordeal again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one in blue, it works good but is lose just like that so I put pieces of tape to make it tight on the phone n also helps it not scratch the bezel .. all the buttons are accessible with no problems
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
jorgerangel159 said:
I have one in blue, it works good but is lose just like that so I put pieces of tape to make it tight on the phone n also helps it not scratch the bezel .. all the buttons are accessible with no problems
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose you recommend it?
Edit: I've seen these (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Urban-Armor...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352595740&sr=1-3) around, and although they seem quite nice, they surpass my budget right now. Any cheaper version of sorts? I think composite could do the trick just as fine.
Does anybody know something similar to the Urban Armor Gear (cheaper and less fancy) that could be of use?
i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.
mputtr said:
i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sliding one I'd on there to good lol sometimes I can't even take it off and regarding that it might scratch the screen I haven't had that problem but then again I only use this case one the weekend
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
mputtr said:
i've always wondered if those slide on thing in the front actually stays on properly or not... I kinda prefer to have the screw on type... i think it's kinda cool.. the only thing I worry about is I don't know if the camera lens would get scratched when i place it on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screw on type? can you post a link to one of those so I can see what it is, please?
they're all expensive.
Draco Design
Sweet Armor s3
and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Deluxe-...724&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=280995627053&
but it doesn't cover the power and volume button...
mputtr said:
they're all expensive.
Draco Design
Sweet Armor s3
and this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Deluxe-...724&pid=100015&prg=1006&rk=1&sd=280995627053&
but it doesn't cover the power and volume button...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link says it's 13~, but in Amazon UK all Dragon design cases I find are around 70€. Right now I've found this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Otterbox-Co...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352662906&sr=1-1
well. the otterbox is not a bumper as well, so that's up to you. i had the commuter for the htc DZ and while it is nice, it also doubled the size of the phone.
and yeah, i didn't say the nicer bumpers were cheap,. i said they were expensive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

A High end Aluminum Case for a High end Aluminum Phone

This is a design I whipped up just for giggles and I'll likely be custom making one for my own device because I have access to both the equipment and ability. I just figured I'd throw up a couple screen shots from my cad software and see what public interest would be for something like this. If and when I actually make one I'll post photos.
A case like this is form fitted and made by cnc machining solid aluminum flat-bar. Needless to say, the process is not cheap and I estimate a case will require four hours of machining in a semi-production operation. This would end in a price tag starting at an estimated $200 and more if it is anodized and or customized. This is not an offer to sell or even making known an intention to sell. I'm just curious to know if this is a product that A: people want, B: people want at the needed price point.
Very cool! But too rich for me!
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I'll wait for the Chinese version of it.
j/k
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
Sooooooo sick! Very interested in something like this. I'd possibly buy it.
Sent from my HTC One 801e using Tapatalk 4 Beta
so how are u putting your top and bottom together? using bolts?
A good case to use is the element case sector 5. It had no signal reduction due to the plastic inserts disturbing the aluminum bumper and was perfect.
With your case, your likely to have huge signal issues, GPS and all
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app
That looks rough. Can't say I'm interested.
jags_the1 said:
so how are u putting your top and bottom together? using bolts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stainless steel 0-80 socket head cap screws. You can see them in the front picture.
pewpewbangbang said:
A good case to use is the element case sector 5. It had no signal reduction due to the plastic inserts disturbing the aluminum bumper and was perfect.
With your case, your likely to have huge signal issues, GPS and all
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's quite possible, and I won't know until I try building one. In case you didn't notice it, I did design in slots in the back of the case that line up with the plastic antenna on the back of the phone. I assume that it will work because the body of the phone itself is aluminum.
Too much going on at the sides for me! Good work!
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
By the way you forgot an opening for the noise canceling mic
Assuming it is very form fitting and has holes for all the right places I would take one for sure. What kind of protection would be on the inside to prevent scratches between the case and phone?
Only criticism I have is the large amount of screws. like said earlier I'm interested. Just all those screws take away from the beauty of it and they may be irritating when holding the device. Maybe 4 screws would be nice. Don't know if that'll be able to hold it together well enough though.
Sent from my HTC One 801e using Tapatalk 4 Beta
ChrisM0678 said:
By the way you forgot an opening for the noise canceling mic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the top and bottom rear slots are cut out and the noise canceling mic is on the upper plastic strip.
Nice design, but as mentioned, way too many secure points for screws. I'd do 6 at most.
Aside from that, I like it. No way Id pay that much for one, but if I had the tools to machine one myself I would. lol
Slap Iron Man looking armor on the back and paint it red/gold I'd pay $200 for it. Actually something I've been planning to do on CAD at work lol.
Did you see how the draco bumper handles screws? I wouldn't mind something like that.
Also since Draco's are $80 for the bumper, I'd say $120 is a fair price point.
Agree with everyone else about the screws but...
I know the case will look better once it is made. As long as those screws were flush/smooth with the case I would probably buy it if I saw it in the stores.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium
You should produce your design first and see if you get decent reception with it. Other aluminum cases like that have already weakened the signal.
Sent from my HTCONE
That's pretty cool but I wouldn't be interested in paying that much
Sent from my HTC One 801e using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll reduce the number of screws or find a way of eliminating them. I agree that it will clean up how it looks. If/When I have turn concept to reality, I'll post up some pictures!
You will destroy signal reception. The top and bottom metal strips are the antennas, not the plastic lines. You also need to make sure you don't cover up the plastic lines around the camera as they function to prevent odd NFC antenna effects.

Aluminum battery cover for the Nexus 5

Hi guys,
I was searching for a aluminum battery cover that replaces the original plastic one, Never found it. How cool would it be to have one of those? I'd even void my warranty to have one of these.
Does any of you know where I find these? Yet a better question, would anyone buy it?
Cause if there is none, I'm gonna make sure to find a company that makes it for me.
Sent from my Nexus 5
JasonX199 said:
Hi guys,
I was searching for a aluminum battery cover that replaces the original plastic one, Never found it. How cool would it be to have one of those? I'd even void my warranty to have one of these.
Does any of you know where I find these? Yet a better question, would anyone buy it?
Cause if there is none, I'm gonna make sure to find a company that makes it for me.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the aluminum cover still keep my NFC and wireless charging? If not, then it's too much like the HTC One. I'll keep mine the way it is and apply a dbrand backing to it lol.
It should keep it, add small edges with plastic to it
Sent from my Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 back cover is not a single piece of plastic like a samsung phone. It has 4 magnets, antennas for the Wi-Fi, MIMO and GPS, NFC and wireless charging cables, and the vibration motor (source). I doubt anyone is making replacement since it cost too much to design a clone that only offer alternate color or material.
Why not try a skin with a brushed titanium finish. Dbrand has them, perhaps others do too.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Dband.com titanium vinyl sticker.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
cf18 said:
The Nexus 5 back cover is not a single piece of plastic like a samsung phone. It has 4 magnets, antennas for the Wi-Fi, MIMO and GPS, NFC and wireless charging cables, and the vibration motor (source). I doubt anyone is making replacement since it cost too much to design a clone that only offer alternate color or material.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said. I think we can safely see we'll never see this for the above reasons, it would be much too expensive to design a metal back plate accessory that takes all of that into account.
Well, I could move those things from my old cover to the alu one. Another reason to have aluminum is that the your hand will absorb the heat. Thermal throttle issues will be also decreased. Next week I'm going to a company to sort things out like the price etc.
Will my warranty void if I only take off the backcover?
Sent from my Nexus 5
If you have a wireless charger, take a piece of aluminum foil and put it on top. Then try to charge you phone. Even with a single unfolded sheet, it will most likely not work (sure doesn't work with my Nexus charger). Now imagine the interference with all the other antennas connected to the back.
Just cover it with this and see: http://www.amazon.com/JVCC-AF20-Aluminum-Foil-Linered/dp/B0057Z9L0S
JasonX199 said:
Will my warranty void if I only take off the backcover?
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how much of a dirt bag you want to be and if they are able to tell when you send it in.
tysj said:
If you have a wireless charger, take a piece of aluminum foil and put it on top. Then try to charge you phone. Even with a single unfolded sheet, it will most likely not work (sure doesn't work with my Nexus charger). Now imagine the interference with all the other antennas connected to the back.
Just cover it with this and see: http://www.amazon.com/JVCC-AF20-Aluminum-Foil-Linered/dp/B0057Z9L0S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only the backcover the middle is gonna stay plastic. The antennas work through the sides.
Andrew025 said:
Depends on how much of a dirt bag you want to be and if they are able to tell when you send it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's up with that? What could possible go wrong when taking off battery cover. We could do this on every phone years ago.
Sent from my Nexus 5

Categories

Resources