The document compares rolled aluminum plates to G.AL® cast plates. G.AL® plates have a non-directional, homogeneous grain structure throughout, whereas rolled plates have elongated grains oriented in the direction of rolling that cause mechanical properties to vary depending on direction. Additionally, rolled plates experience high residual stresses from forming, while G.AL® plates have almost no residual stresses due to not undergoing further work after casting. As a result, G.AL® plates exhibit consistent mechanical properties regardless of direction and are less prone to deformation before and after machining compared to rolled plates.

2. Added value of G.AL® plates in comparison
to rolled plates

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Differences in grain structure in
Rolled Plates vs. G.AL® Cast Plates
Grain structure of G.AL® Cast Plates:
The structure is non directional, as cast.
The mechanical values are the same in all
directions.
Grain structure of Rolled Plates:
The structure is in the direction of rolling process.
The mechanical values depend on the grain
direction.
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Forming direction affecting properties
Rolled plates:
Very great affection- resulting in residual stresses and uneven grain texture between the length
(longitudinal), width (transverse) and thickness.
G.AL® Cast plates:
Because no work is applied after the casting there is hardly any residual stress but a homogeneous
micro structure throughout the whole plate.
Affection of the direction & magnitude of residual
stresses and grain texture due to rolling
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Differences between
Rolled Plates and G.AL® Aluminium Cast Plates
Mechanical values depend on grain direction
Rolled Plates
Very large directional strength differentials
Due to the rolling process the structure has -in
the longitudinal direction of rolling- elongated
grains.
Impact
Due to the big difference in length, width and
thickness of the grain the mechanical values will
vary considerably.
G.AL® Cast Plates
No directional strength differentials
Because the microstructure of the rolled ingot is
not changed in plates by the sawing no
directional properties are existing.
Impact
No big variation in mechanical properties due to
homogeneous grain sizes.
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Differences between
Rolled Plates and G.AL® Aluminium Cast Plates
Residual Stresses
Rolled Plates
very high
Forming and thermal treatment inducing
high stresses and tensions into the
material.
Impact
High probability of deformation before
and after machining.
G.AL® - Cast Plates
hardly existing
Impact
Hardly any deformation before or after
machining
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Test of residual stresses
Change from
the flat „x“
(bent)
Material Change „x“
Al – Rolled Plate EN AW 7075 → 2,55 mm 
Al – Rolled Plate EN AW 5083 → 1,20 mm 
Al – Cast Plate G.AL® C330 → 0,65 mm 
Al – Cast Plate G.AL® C250 → 0,25 mm 
Differences between
Rolled Plates and G.AL® Aluminium Cast Plates

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Advantages of G.AL® Aluminium Cast Plates
• no directional related mechanical properties
• extremely low internal stresses
• very small drop in core strength
• very good flatness (G.AL – Precision Plate)
• very good parallelism (G.AL – Precision Plate)
• tight thickness tolerances (G.AL – Precision Plate)
• very good availability
• availability up to 1.060 mm / 41.7“