Alcoa rises on ProStrength technology launch

Shares of Alcoa Inc. rose around 1% during the trading session following the launch of a proprietary surface finishing technology, ProStrength. The technology will allow consumer electronics companies to use aerospace-grade aluminum to reduce the weight and thickness and increase the sturdiness of mobile devices.

ProStrength Finishing Technology is a process that enables mobile device makers to design clear or color-anodized durable surfaces using high-strength, heat treatable aluminum alloys that are used in the aerospace and defense industries. Application of these alloys will reduce the thickness and weight of the device by over 50%.

Customers usually purchase electronic devices based on the size, design and feel factor of the gadget. ProStrength’s anodized finish on aerospace-grade aluminum alloys perfectly complements customer requirement of a metallic look and feel while concurrently producing thinner, lighter, and more durable mobile devices.

ProStrength Finishing Technology was developed at the Alcoa Technical Center. Alcoa collaborated with major consumer electronic (CE) companies and designers to facilitate the use of aluminum in mobile devices. Usage of aluminum in the CE market has increased as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prefer its aesthetic quality, light weight and ability to dissipate heat.

In 2012, Alcoa introduced the ColorKast Die Cast Technology in the consumer electronics market. The technology is used by Samsung in its new digital camera NX210. ColorKast Die Cast technology allowed Alcoa to produce color anodizable aluminum die cast components with high-end cosmetics.