PITTSBURGH–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced the first commercial success of its
ColorKast™ technology in the consumer electronics market. 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.
ColorKast™ is a breakthrough aluminum die casting technology that allows
consumer electronics manufacturers to create cosmetically high-end,
lightweight, and cost-effective components for portable electronic
devices using proprietary alloy, process, and finishing technologies
developed at Alcoa Technical Center. The result is cosmetic 3D products
with the rich, metallic “look and feel” of anodized aluminum, and the
high productivity and cost advantages of die castings as compared to
unibody machining processing or magnesium die casting. In addition,
products made from ColorKast™ create a better green solution relative to
plastics or composites because aluminum is infinitely recyclable.
The performance and aesthetic requirements of ColorKast™ have been
validated with Alcoa’s exclusive manufacturing partner, GK (Global
Kwangsung) in South Korea, before being introduced to the market,
leading to the success of the first commercialized application at
Samsung.
For more information on Alcoa’s capabilities in the consumer electronics
market, visit http://www.alcoa.com/con_electronics/.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum
industry, Alcoa’s innovation has been behind major milestones in the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics, and industrial markets over the
past 120 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 ten consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active
use today. Alcoa employs approximately 61,000 people in 31 countries
across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.