For any type of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), there is the natural urge to attempt to find materials for production at the very lowest possible prices. When it comes to aluminum, either plate, bar or extrusions, choosing the lowest price at the expense of quality can actually increase the cost of the production for several different reasons.
There are different qualities and types of aluminum plate for sale, and not all sellers are accurate in reporting the grade and the type. For example, cast tool & jig plate, as well as aluminum mold plate, is designed for specific applications, requiring very specific types of manufacturing techniques. Failing to use precision quality control in the manufacturing of these types of aluminum plate for sale will dramatically impact the ability to work with the plate.
Internal Structure
When any type of aluminum plate is produced, a different method of creating the plate will change and improve or decrease the quality of the internal granular structure.
For precision applications where straightness and consistent, dense inner granular structure is required, the highest quality plate is produced to exacting standards. These standards are not visible to the naked eye but, without the proper quality controls, the aluminum will not be suitable for use for cast tool & die applications or for use in injection molds or other specialized types of applications.
Custom Sizes
Most of the aluminum plate for sale is shipped in standard sizes. By using a quality product from an established aluminum distributor, it is possible to have materials direct shipped from the manufacturer and cast or cut to the specifications for the job.
Not only does this save on the time needed to cut or to manufacture the plate, but it also ensures there is minimal waste for the project, which in turn is an effective cost-saving factor to consider.
