14Nov
alimex Cast Aluminium vs. Rolled Aluminium
Aluminium is increasingly becoming the material of choice across a variety of fields previously dominated by steel.
In addition the current trend is also seeing a move away from aluminium rolled plate towards aluminium cast plates.
The manufacture of alimex cast plates, a process which our founder Helmut Geller developed back in 1984, has today become the global standard across multiple industries & applications, including:
- Electronics
- Laser
- Packaging
- Optical
- Medical devices
- Laboratory technology
- Display panels
- Semiconductors and photovoltaic systems
alimex cast aluminium plates and blocks are subjected to less processes (i.e. heat treatment) which means they benefit from excellent stability in particular during high stock removal machining.
The net result is reduced waste, faster processing times and ultimately reduced costs.
| alimex Cast Aluminium | Rolled Aluminium | |
| Homogeneous Grain Structure for improved stability and strength | The grain structure is non-directional, with the mechanical values being the same in all directions | The grain structure will be elongated in the direction of rolling and hence the mechanical longitudinal and mechanical transverse values will differ |
| Minimal Internal Residual Stresses | In-house heat treatment homogenises and removes the residual stresses from the microstructure throughout the cast billet | Due to the rolling of the billet there will be increased internal stresses and an irregular grain structure between the longitudinal, transverse and cross-section of the billet |
| Various Thickness Options Readily Available | Thicknesses up to 1060mm with the same mechanical properties throughout the cross-section. No impact on residual stress when sawing to required thickness | Limitations on thickness availability, mechanical properties will vary throughout the cross-section, the greater the thickness the larger the variation |
| Improved Machinability | Very good machinability and stability when machining to thin wall elements, parts can be fully machined without heat treatment | Very good machinability but poor stability, often requiring rough machining and then heat treatment prior to final machining |
| Excellent Flatness | Deviation 0,13 -0,4mm | Deviation 3,00-9,5mm |
| Superior Surface Finish | <0,3μ (Machined) | Typical 80pμ- 115μ (Rolled) |
