Cast aluminium sheets cut to size – precision manufactured

What are cast aluminium sheets?

Cast aluminium sheets are specially manufactured semi-finished products that are produced using the casting process. In contrast to rolled aluminium sheets, cast sheets are created by directly pouring liquid aluminium into moulds. This process ensures a particularly homogeneous microstructure with minimal internal stresses. Cast sheets are characterised by their high dimensional stability, very good machinability and a uniform surface.

Typical applications for cast aluminium sheets

Cast aluminium sheets are used in many industrial areas where precision and stability are required. Typical areas of application are mechanical engineering, toolmaking and jig and fixture construction. Cast sheets are also used in medical technology, model making and food technology when highly accurate, low-distortion components are required.

Practical examples of applications:

• Machine beds and machine frames: Require high dimensional stability and dimensional accuracy.
• Mounting plates and fixtures: Precise base plates for assemblies and tools.
• Carrier plates in tool and mould making: Base for complex components.

Advantages of cast sheets over rolled sheets

Compared with rolled aluminium sheets, cast sheets offer several decisive advantages:

Feature	Cast sheets	Rolled sheets
Residual stresses	Very low	Higher
Dimensional stability	Excellent	Good
Machinability	Very good	Good
Surface quality	Uniform	Varying
Risk of distortion during machining	Minimal	Higher

These properties make cast sheets the ideal choice when dimensional accuracy and ease of processing are the top priority.

Cast sheets cut to size: these formats and thicknesses are possible

Aluminium cast sheets are available in a wide variety of thicknesses and dimensions. Common thicknesses range from 5 mm to over 100 mm. Standard formats are often 1,000 x 2,000 mm or 1,250 x 2,500 mm in size. For individual requirements, the sheets can be precisely cut to size, so that almost any desired size can be realised.

Large sheet formats make it possible to produce even complex components from a single piece, which further increases stability.

How accurate is the cut to size of aluminium cast sheets?

Cast sheets are cut to size using modern sawing or milling systems. Very tight tolerances can be achieved in the process. Dimensional tolerances of ±0.5 mm are usual, and tighter if required. Particularly with CNC milling, extremely precise contours and complex shapes can be produced from cast sheets. Edge processing (e.g. chamfering or deburring) is also possible directly during cutting to size.

For applications with the highest requirements, final processing by milling to the final dimension is recommended.

Process of a custom-made part

1. Enquiry and consultation: You submit your desired dimensions and requirements.
2. Quotation preparation: You receive an individual quotation.
3. Production: Cut to size on state-of-the-art systems according to your specifications.
4. Quality inspection and dispatch: Inspected sheets are delivered securely packaged.

Which aluminium alloys are available for cast sheets?

Special alloys are used for aluminium cast sheets, optimally matched to the requirements for strength, corrosion resistance and machinability. The alloy EN AW-5083 is particularly widespread, convincing with its high strength and very good weldability.

Other common alloys for cast sheets are:

• EN AW-5083: High corrosion resistance, very good machinability
• EN AW-7021: Higher strength, good machinability

Depending on the intended use, the alloy should be selected specifically in order to achieve optimum results.

What you should look out for when ordering

When buying aluminium cast sheets cut to size, you should look out for the following points:

• Exact dimensions: Clearly define length, width and thickness
• Specify tolerance requirements: Particularly important for highly precise components
• Choose alloy: Matching the requirements for strength and corrosion protection
• Clarify surface requirements: Raw, ground or milled?
• Certificates and test certificates: If necessary, order them at the same time (e.g. material certificate)

A competent supplier will advise you on the suitable options and ensure that your cast sheets correspond exactly to your requirements.

Conclusion: aluminium cast sheets custom-made – your advantages at a glance

Aluminium cast sheets cut to size offer an ideal solution for precise, low-distortion components in numerous industries. The combination of high dimensional stability, low residual stress and excellent machinability makes them the first choice for demanding projects. Thanks to the option of ordering individual formats and thicknesses, cast sheets can be optimally matched to the respective requirement.

With an experienced partner for aluminium cut pieces, you secure high-quality products that meet your expectations for precision and reliability.

Frequently asked questions about custom-made parts

How quickly can a cast sheet be delivered? Depending on stock levels and processing effort, delivery times from a few days are possible.

What minimum dimensions must be observed when ordering? The minimum format depends on the thickness of the sheet and is often around 100 x 100 mm.

Are milled final dimensions also available? Yes, CNC machining makes it possible to achieve very accurate final dimensions with tight tolerance.

Can several sheets be ordered at once? Of course – series cut pieces to size are also possible without any problem.