Proprietary Technology to Enable Thinner, Stronger Electronic Gadgets
Alcoa (NYSE: AA) has developed a proprietary surface finishing
technology that enables consumer electronics companies to use
aerospace-grade aluminum to make thinner, lighter and stronger mobile
devices.
Alcoa’s new ProStrength™ Finishing Technology is a process that allows
mobile device manufacturers to design clear or color-anodized durable
surfaces utilizing high-strength, heat treatable aluminum alloys used in
the aerospace and defense industries. Using high strength alloys could
reduce the thickness and weight of a device by more than 50 percent.
Device size as well as design look and feel are significant factors for
consumers in making purchasing decisions on consumer electronics. Both
features were identified as important by more than 50 percent of
consumers surveyed by Accenture on the importance of features to
purchase decisions. (Source: The 2013 Accenture Consumer Electronics
Products and Services Usage Report)
“Consumer electronics makers had been exploring ways to create beautiful
anodized finishes on aerospace-grade aluminum alloys because they are
among the strongest, yet lightest metals available,” said Ray Kilmer,
Executive Vice President and Alcoa Chief Technology Officer.
“ProStrength’s anodized finish creates the metallic look and feel that
consumers prefer, and the high-strength aluminum allows manufacturers to
produce thinner, lighter, and more durable enclosures.”
According to Leighton Cooper, Director of Technology at the Alcoa
Technical Center, the Company’s expertise in aluminum finishing and
close ties to the consumer electronics industry was critical in reaching
this development milestone. “ProStrength™ Finishing Technology brings
together the perfect combination of aesthetics and function,” he said.
“Being able to use aerospace-grade alloys promotes the growing trend for
ever thinner and lighter mobile devices.”
Alcoa developed its ProStrength™ Finishing Technology at the Alcoa
Technical Center, the world’s largest light metals R&D facility located
outside Pittsburgh. The company has worked with the world’s leading
consumer electronic (CE) companies and designers to enable the use of
aluminum in mobile devices. Aluminum’s penetration in the CE market has
grown as OEMs look to its aesthetic qualities, light weight and ability
to dissipate heat, all of which enhance the durability, performance and
attractiveness of devices for consumers.
Last year, Alcoa announced another consumer electronics breakthrough
with its ColorKastTM
Die Cast Technology that is used by Samsung. As a result of this
innovative technology, Alcoa can produce color anodizable aluminum die
cast components with high-end cosmetics. The first use of the ColorKast™
technology appears on Samsung’s new digital camera NX210 and other
consumer electronic OEMs are preparing to apply this technology to their
products.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated
aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of
alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry,
Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 125 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for 11 consecutive years and approximately 75
percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 61,000 people in 30
countries across the world. For more information, visit www.alcoa.com,
follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoa
and follow Alcoa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
For more information about ProStrength™ and Alcoa’s capabilities in the
consumer electronics market, contact Leighton Cooper, Director of
Technology, Alcoa Global Rolled Products at leighton.cooper@alcoa.com.
Alcoa
Investor Contact
Kelly Pasterick, 212-836-2674
Kelly.Pasterick@alcoa.com
or
Media Contacts
Lori Lecker, 412-553-3186
lori.lecker@alcoa.com