In today’s market, aluminum continues to be an alloy that rises to the top when it comes to choosing materials for everything from structural components for buildings to precision molds for injection molding processes. Of course, for decades aluminum cast tool & jig plate has been used in a variety of industries when precision and accuracy in manufacturing parts and components is a critical component.
There are other advantages to aluminum as well. When used in any type of construction, fabrication or manufacturing, aluminum can be recycled endlessly. There is no point in time, providing it is recycled properly, that aluminum is no longer able to be melted and reformed by experienced processors.
Additionally, cast aluminum plate, when made from recycled aluminum, only takes about 10% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum. Through mills across the world, the emphasis is on recycling, helping to protect the environment as well as keep costs of production low.
The Production Method
The standard aluminum plate is made using massive rollers that press down over heated ingots of aluminum that can weigh in excess of 20 tons. The size of the ultimate sheet will be limited by the size of the rolling mill as well as the size of the ingot.
The sheet is developed, then cooled and finally cold rolled or possibility there may be heat treatment involved. Each of these processes is done to create a specific attribute or property in the alloy.
With cast aluminum plate used for precision applications, the process is different. The plate is vertically cast, which works to relieve the internal stress at the granular level in the plate. Specific processes are used during production to ensure there is dimensional stability within the plate, which is not as much of a concern with standard types of plate.
The result is a cast aluminum plate that can withstand machining and welding without any internal distortion. This eliminates the need for further machining and processing of parts and components made from this plate.
