Our production
The production of G.AL Aluminium Cast Plates
Excellent quality and maximum efficiency achieved by modern production technology, streamlined processes and a strong logistics concept ensure our success. One of our unique selling points is our own electrically-powered heat treatment plant, which allows the supply of heat to be accurately controlled down to the degree so as to achieve optimum material properties.
Our production process – step by step
1. Heat treatment
The precursor of our G.AL aluminium products are aluminium rolling ingots, which are produced according to the GLEICH factory standard of our suppliers – exclusively European manufacturers. After the rolling ingots have reached us, they are sent to our fully-automatic heat treatment plant, where the optimum heat treatment is performed for each alloy with the help of our own specially-developed annealing parameters and energy-efficient processes. Unlike conventional aluminium rolled plates, the heat treatment influences the outstanding properties of our G.AL aluminium plates when it comes to low-stress properties and homogeneity in combination with the fact that mechanical deformation (for example, a rolling process) is not necessary.
2. Bandsaws
After heat treatment, the aluminium ingots reach our company’s bandsaw area. First, it is necessary to remove the cast skin and take a test disc from each batch. Each batch is tested for mechanical properties by an independent company. This enables us to continually ensure high material quality and we are also entitled to create factory acceptance test certificates 3.1. After making sure that the rollings ingot properties are consistent with our target values, they are released to the bandsaws for further processing. In this production step, the ingots are divided into individual plate thicknesses and the G.AL® C210Rand G.AL® C330R products are created.
3. Milling
G. AL aluminium plates which are not delivered with a six-sides sawn surface now find their way into the milling area. Portal milling machines are used to mill the plates on both sides with a large cutter head (diameter > 2m) in two processes. Years of experience combined with the latest system technology make it possible to manufacture high-precision surfaces when it comes thickness, roughness, flatness and visual appearance. The resulting products are called G.AL® C250 , G.AL® C250 ELOX PLUS and G.AL® C330 .
4. Quality inspection and foiling
In a final quality check, the milled surface is tested and measured. Finally, a PVC protective film is applied to the surface of milled plates to protect against damage. The thickness of sawn plates is measured immediately after the sawing process and the plates, without a protective film, are ready for delivery or further processing.
5. Cutting manufacturing
SYou need a length-width combination outside of our standard formats? No problem, our cutting centre is set up just for this purpose – it makes aluminium cuttings according to customer requirements on various circular saws.
6. Warehouse and logistics
A modern warehouse and logistics system is the foundation for our production processes. Fully-automated high-bay warehouses and modern handling technology help to provide the material exactly for the respective working systems.
For further information, you will find our range of services in the Services area.