Properties, processing and applications.
An aluminium sheet is used across a wide range of industries. From mechanical engineering and high tech to construction and interior applications. For good reason.
Aluminium is lightweight, strong and relatively cost effective. It weighs about three times less than steel, while offering comparable performance in many applications. It is also easy to machine and suitable for various types of surface treatment.
Choosing the right aluminium sheet starts with three key factors:
the type of aluminium
the production method
the required finish and application
Making the right choices early on helps prevent unnecessary processing and additional costs later in the process.
Aluminium sheets can broadly be divided into two types:
rolled aluminium sheets
cast aluminium plates
The main difference lies in the structure of the material and its intended use.
A cast aluminium plate is often used in thicker dimensions and in applications where precision is critical. Due to heat treatment, the material is low in internal stress and highly dimensionally stable. This makes it suitable for machining processes that require tight tolerances, for example in flatness and thickness.
A rolled aluminium sheet is more commonly used in lighter constructions and sheet metal applications. These sheets are versatile and often more cost efficient, but less stable when very high precision is required.
In practice, an aluminium sheet is rarely used as supplied. In most cases, an aluminium sheet cut to size is required.
This typically involves several steps, such as:
sawing or cutting to size
milling holes, slots and contours
grinding to thickness and flatness
The latter is especially important in applications where precision matters. At Van Geenen, aluminium is ground to tolerances of approximately ± 0.05 mm.
Untreated aluminium is relatively sensitive to external influences. That is why a form of surface treatment of aluminium is often applied.
These treatments are used to protect the material, extend its lifespan or improve its appearance. A common follow up process is anodising, where a protective layer is formed on the aluminium.
The quality of such a treatment largely depends on the preparation of the surface.
What is often underestimated is that surface preparation defines the final outcome.
Processes such as grinding, brushing or polishing remain visible in the final finish. The surface created beforehand will always be reflected in the end result.
This means the process must be carefully built up. By achieving the correct surface quality in advance, you avoid rework and ensure a more consistent final product.
The selected surface and finish have a direct impact on how the product performs in use.
A smoother surface reduces the adhesion of dirt and makes cleaning easier. It also helps maintain the visual quality of the material over time.
This makes aluminium suitable for applications where maintenance and durability are important.
One of the key advantages of aluminium is its low weight. This is especially important in constructions and moving components.
The weight of an aluminium sheet can be calculated using its density:
density of aluminium: 2755 kg per m³
The formula is: length × width × thickness × 2.755. For example: an aluminium sheet measuring 2300 × 1350 mm with a thickness of 2 mm results in a weight of approximately 17.1 kg.
An aluminium sheet cut to size is used across various industries, including:
mechanical engineering
In practice, a product often goes through multiple processing steps. For example, a plate may first be ground to thickness, then milled, and finally finished.
This may include:
a non directional brushed finish
a technical surface with low roughness, such as Ra < 0.4
This is where material selection and surface finishing come together.
At Van Geenen, we look beyond just the aluminium sheet. We focus on the complete process, from base material to final product.
Our support includes:
grinding aluminium to precise thickness and flatness
mechanical finishing such as brushing and polishing
preparation for further processing and surface treatment
This ensures that an aluminium sheet is not only made to size, but also performs as intended in practice.
Van Geenen is happy to think along with you about the right aluminium sheet for your application. Feel free to contact one of our specialists.
