Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has developed ProStrength Finishing Technology, a surface treatment that allows mobile device manufacturers to design clear or color-anodized durable surfaces of high-strength, heat treatable aluminum alloys. High strength alloys could reduce the thickness and weight of a device by more than 50%.
“ProStrength’s anodized finish creates the metallic look and feel that consumers prefer,” said Ray Kilmer, Executive Vice President and Alcoa Chief Technology Officer, “and the high-strength aluminum allows manufacturers to produce thinner, lighter, and more durable enclosures.”
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 electronics 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 ColorKast 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. Other consumer electronic OEMs are preparing to apply this technology to their products.
