# Garmin Details Titanium Case Manufacturing for Fenix 9

- Topic: tech
- Source: [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/nobody-wants-to-wear-a-tuna-can-on-their-wrist-garmins-coo-explains-how-the-fenix-9-pro-and-marq-gen-3s-new-nano-molded-titanium-case-stayed-as-small-as-possible-while-still-letting-signals-in-and-out)
- Published: 2026-11-02
- Original: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/nobody-wants-to-wear-a-tuna-can-on-their-wrist-garmins-coo-explains-how-the-fenix-9-pro-and-marq-gen-3s-new-nano-molded-titanium-case-stayed-as-small-as-possible-while-still-letting-signals-in-and-out
- Language: en
- Image: https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bW6bg6zYpBdZ4yt9D74SRn-1920-80.jpg

## At a glance

- Titanium cases on Fenix 9 Pro and Marq Gen 3 are lighter, stronger, and more durable than aluminium or stainless steel.
- A nano‑molding process etches titanium at the nanoscale, bonding polymer directly and eliminating bulky rubber gaskets.
- The NMT technique keeps the watch thin, allowing Bluetooth, LTE, satellite, ANT+, NFC and Wi‑Fi antennas to operate inside a metal case.
- Garmin plans to use the same technology in future models, potentially giving the Venu 5 a full titanium body while preserving water‑resistance.

## Sources

- [TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/nobody-wants-to-wear-a-tuna-can-on-their-wrist-garmins-coo-explains-how-the-fenix-9-pro-and-marq-gen-3s-new-nano-molded-titanium-case-stayed-as-small-as-possible-while-still-letting-signals-in-and-out)

## The story

Garmin has unveiled the engineering behind the titanium cases used on its high‑end Fenix 9 Pro and Marq Generation 3 smartwatches. While titanium is lighter and stronger than aluminium and stainless steel, the material blocks radio signals, making a fully metal case impractical for a connected watch. To overcome this, Garmin uses a “nano‑molding” (NMT) process that etches the titanium surface at the nanoscale so polymer can bond directly to the metal without bulky gaskets. The result is a thin, rigid joint that lets Bluetooth, LTE, satellite, ANT+, NFC and Wi‑Fi antennas fit inside the case while keeping the watch’s weight and girth low. Brad Trenkle, Garmin’s COO, explained that the polymer‑titanium bond eliminates the need for large rubber gaskets that would otherwise add bulk. Todd Register, Garmin’s creative lead, described the NMT process as “fine‑grained texturing” that creates interlocking at the nano level. The technique was first tested in 2011 on HTC phones and is now applied to the Marq Generation 3, the first Garmin watch to feature a full metal jacket. Garmin says the new construction will help future models, such as a potential all‑titanium Venu 5, remain lightweight while maintaining water‑resistance and connectivity.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/nobody-wants-to-wear-a-tuna-can-on-their-wrist-garmins-coo-explains-how-the-fenix-9-pro-and-marq-gen-3s-new-nano-molded-titanium-case-stayed-as-small-as-possible-while-still-letting-signals-in-and-out)