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 the highest quality products for your success. One of our unique selling points is our own electrically-powered heat treatment plant, which allows the heat distribution and input controlled with unparalleled precision so as to achieve optimum material properties.
Our production process – step by step
1. Heat treatment
The precursor of our G.AL aluminum products are aluminum rolling slabs, which are produced according to the GLEICH Factory Standard by our suppliers – exclusively European manufacturers. After receiving the rolling slabs, 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 aluminum rolled plates, our special heat treatment allows us to produce outstanding G.AL® Aluminum Cast Plates with low-stress properties and homogeneity. Further mechanical shaping processes (for example, a rolling process) are not performed.
2. Bandsaws
After heat treatment, the aluminum slabs are sawn in our bandsaw area. First, it is necessary to remove the cast skin and take a test plate from each batch. Each batch is tested for mechanical properties by an independent company. This enables us to ensure high material quality and allows us to create factory acceptance test certificates 3.1. After making sure that the rolling slab’s properties are consistent with our very narrow target values, the next process begins on specially developed aluminum bandsaws. In this production step, the trimmed slabs are sawn into individual plate thicknesses. Thus, the G.AL® Sawn Plates G.AL® C210R and G.AL® C330R products are created.
3. Milling
The sawn plates, which will be machined to G.AL® Precision Plates 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 > 7ft) in two passes. Years of experience combined with the latest system technology make it possible to manufacture high-precision surfaces with regard to thickness, roughness, flatness and visual appearance. The resulting products are called G.AL® C250, G.AL® C250 ELOX PLUS and G.AL® C330 . These plates are commonly known as Aluminum Cast Tool & Jig Plates.
4. Quality inspection and foiling
In a final quality check, the milled plates are tested and measured. Finally, a PVC protective film is applied to protect the surface 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.
6. Warehouse and logistics
A modern warehouse and logistics system ensures optimal material handling and fast deliveries. Fully automated high-rack warehouses and modern handling technology help to ship in a very lean process.
In the U.S. we have the material stored in a warehouse in Baltimore, MD. This allows for very short lead times and customer satisfaction.
