The short answer: both GI and die-cast aluminium cabinets are used for fixed outdoor LED screens, hoardings included. Die-cast is lighter and more accurate. GI costs less per cabinet but is heavier. Compare the total cost of the installed screen, not just the price of each cabinet.
What each cabinet is
GI (galvanised iron/steel) cabinets are made from sheet steel that is welded together and galvanised against rust. They are strong and economical, and the traditional choice for outdoor LED screens.
Die-cast aluminium cabinets are made by casting aluminium in a mould and then machining it to size. Every cabinet comes out to the same dimensions, so the modules sit flat and the joins between cabinets stay tight.
 Lumina MS (GI) cabinet, 960 × 960 mm: welded steel frame |  Lumina die-cast aluminium cabinet, 960 × 960 mm (Storm design) |
Side by side
| GI (galvanised steel) | Die-cast aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier | Much lighter |
| Accuracy (flatness, seams) | Good | Very high, consistent from cabinet to cabinet |
| Rust | Depends on galvanising and sealing | Aluminium does not rust |
| Cost per cabinet | Lower | Higher |
| Structure needed | Stronger, heavier frame | Lighter frame |
| Installation | Slower, more handling | Faster |
| Typical use | Fixed outdoor screens, hoardings | Hoardings, building fronts, indoor walls, stage and rental |
Why weight matters more than it seems
The cabinet is only part of the cost. A heavier screen needs a stronger steel structure, a sturdier wall or foundation, more labour and more lifting equipment. On a large hoarding, the lower weight of die-cast can offset much of its higher price per cabinet.
Why accuracy shows on the screen
When cabinets are not exactly flat and square, the joins show as dark or bright lines, especially from up close or at an angle. Die-cast cabinets are machined to tight tolerances, so the joins line up better and the screen looks more uniform.
 Rear of a GI cabinet: steel back with service doors |  Rear of the 960 × 960 die-cast cabinet: cast aluminium back covers |
Weather
Galvanised steel resists rust only as long as the coating and seals hold, so check the galvanising and the cabinet's IP rating. Aluminium does not rust, but its door seals and cable glands still decide whether the cabinet is really weatherproof.
Cabinet sizes and modules
- Die-cast 960 × 960 mm is the standard outdoor size. It takes 18 modules of 320 × 160 mm (3 across, 6 down).
- Die-cast 1280 × 960 and 640 × 960 mm also exist, for 320 × 160 modules only. They are rare and expensive.
- Die-cast indoor cabinets come in 640 × 480, 640 × 640, 320 × 480 and 320 × 640 mm, with magnet-mounted modules.
- GI cabinets are made to suit both 320 × 160 and 192 × 192 mm modules.
 Lumina indoor die-cast cabinets: 640 × 480, 320 × 480, 640 × 640 and 320 × 640 mm |
Rule: decide on the module before you order cabinets. The cabinet has to match the module's size and mounting.
Which one to choose
- Large hoarding or building front, where weight and finish matter: die-cast 960 × 960.
- Fixed outdoor screen on a tight budget, with a structure strong enough for the weight: GI.
- Indoor walls, retail and corporate screens: die-cast indoor cabinets. They are light and accurate, and the modules can be serviced from the front.
- Curved builds, or screens with no rear access: see our curved cabinets and front-service cabinets.
Common mistakes
- Mixing cabinet types or sizes in one screen.
- Ordering cabinets before you have fixed the module size.
- Designing the structure for GI weight but buying die-cast, or the other way round.
- Not deciding whether the screen will be serviced from the front or the back.
- Comparing only the price per cabinet instead of the installed cost.
Shop the cabinets
Need help choosing? WhatsApp us on +91 97655 58000 with your screen size and site details.