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Precision Tooling Plate

MIC-6 Aluminum forDimensionally Stable Parts

MIC-6® is the industry standard for precision cast aluminum plate, offering world-class flatness and a stress-free internal structure that eliminates distortion during heavy CNC machining.

MIC-6 aluminum precision cast plate for tooling and aerospace fixtures
Material Overview

What is MIC-6® Aluminum?

MIC-6® is a continuously cast, precision-machined aluminum plate designed specifically to meet the challenges of modern high-speed manufacturing. Unlike wrought alloys, MIC-6 has a granular structure that is virtually free of internal stresses. This makes it the premier choice for CNC machining where dimensional stability is critical; even with heavy material removal, the part remains flat and stable. It comes from the factory with a superior surface finish (typically 20 micro-inches or better) and exceptional flatness tolerances, saving significant setup and machining time.

Precision ground MIC-6 aluminum plate used in high-stability industrial equipment
Specifications

MIC-6 Aluminum Specifications

Technical characteristics of MIC-6 precision cast plate. Its performance is measured not just by strength, but by its industry-leading flatness and lack of residual stress.

MIC-6 Engineering Properties

Material Type

Cast Aluminum Tool & Jig Plate

Surface Finish

20 micro-inch (0.50 µm) typical (Precision Ground)

Primary Characteristics

Superior flatness, zero internal stress, excellent dimensional stability, high-speed machinability

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

24 ksi (165 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

15 ksi (105 MPa)

Shear Strength

15 ksi (105 MPa)

Compressive Yield Strength

15 ksi (105 MPa)

Elongation at Break

3%

Brinell Hardness

65 HB

Density

2.80 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

10,300 ksi (71 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.33

Thermal Conductivity

142 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

23.6 µm/m·°C

Flatness Tolerance

Within 0.005" (for 1/4"-5/8" thickness)

Electrical Conductivity

36% IACS

Machinability

Excellent (Produces small, brittle chips; no warping after cut)

Weldability

Good (Typically using 4043 or 5356 filler)

Corrosion Resistance

Good (Similar to 5000/6000 series alloys)

Anodizing Response

Fair (Functional anodizing is common, but aesthetic results vary due to cast structure)

Common Forms

Precision Ground Plate

Typical Applications

Assembly jigs, checking fixtures, base plates, vacuum chucks, semiconductor equipment, mold plates

Material Composition

Aluminum-Magnesium-Zinc Cast Alloy (Proprietary MIC-6 formulation)

Standard

Alcoa / Arconic Proprietary Specification

Performance

MIC-6 Performance Overview

Evaluated on stability and precision rather than pure mechanical load.

Dimensional Stability

Flatness (Out of Box)

Machinability

Weldability

Strength

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Ready for high-stability MIC-6 parts?

Avoid warping and maintain extreme flatness with MIC-6 precision plate. Upload your files for a quote on high-stability fixtures and components.

Where MIC-6 Aluminum is Commonly Used

The go-to choice for precision engineering where even a micron of distortion during machining would ruin the part.

High-precision assembly jigs and fixtures

Semiconductor manufacturing equipment

Optical and laser test benches

Electronic component assembly bases

Vacuum chucks and plates

Plastic injection mold base plates

Automotive checking and master gauges

Printing and paper processing machinery

Aerospace tooling and support structures

Material FAQs

MIC-6 Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate FAQs for High-Precision Machining

Expert technical guidance for engineering teams utilizing MIC-6 aluminum plate for applications requiring extreme flatness and dimensional stability.

Ready for your Project

Zero-Stress Precision

Aluminum MIC6: The Ultimate Solution for Flatness & Dimensional Stability

When your design cannot afford even a micron of warping, Aluminum MIC6 is the definitive choice. Unlike rolled aluminum plates that retain internal stresses, MIC6 is a cast material, stress-relieved to ensure it stays perfectly flat throughout and after the most intensive CNC Machining processes.

At PREMSA Industries, we recommend MIC6 for high-tolerance base plates, optical benches, and vacuum fixtures where 'near-perfect' isn't good enough.

The MIC6 Advantage: Why Stability Matters

  • Stress-Free Casting: Because it is cast rather than rolled, it won't 'potato chip' or warp after heavy milling, eliminating the risk of scrapped parts.
  • Precision Flatness: Arrives with a superior surface finish (65 RMS) and a flatness tolerance as tight as 0.127mm, drastically reducing your setup and machining time.
  • Thermal Stability: Excellent performance in temperature-fluctuating environments, maintaining its shape and alignment over millions of cycles.
  • High-Speed Machinability: Its granular structure allows for faster feed rates and cleaner cuts compared to standard 6000-series plates.
  • Superior Threading: The material's density supports high-integrity Drilling & Threading, perfect for modular jigs and fixtures.
  • Uniform Thickness: Delivers consistent thickness across the entire plate, ensuring perfect mating for multi-component assemblies.

MIC6 vs. 6061-T6: When Accuracy Trumps Strength

While Aluminum 6061-T6 is built for structural strength, MIC6 is engineered for accuracy. If your part serves as a reference surface or a mounting plate for high-speed automation, MIC6 is your technical winner.

Strategic Cost Savings

  • Eliminates the need for secondary grinding or lapping, saving you labor costs
  • Reduces lead times by removing the need for stress-relieving heat treatments
  • Increases tool life due to the consistent, non-gummy nature of the cast plate
  • Guarantees first-time assembly fit, preventing costly field adjustments

Engineering Benefits

  • Ideal for large-scale vacuum tables and semiconductor equipment
  • Lightweight alternative to heavy steel tool plates with zero sacrifice in stability
  • Supports complex internal channels for manifold blocks and cooling plates
  • Maintains high-end industrial aesthetics with its pre-finished surface

Unmatched Strengths for Precision Tooling

  1. Dimensional Integrity: The most stable aluminum plate available on the market.
  2. Setup Efficiency: Pre-machined surfaces mean your parts are ready for assembly sooner.
  3. Vibration Damping: Cast structure absorbs mechanical noise better than rolled alloys.
  4. Precision Geometry: Supports complex Swiss-Type Machining for small, stable components.
  5. Consistency: Every plate behaves identically, ensuring repeatability across production batches.
  6. Weight Reduction: Steel-like stability at approximately one-third of the weight.

Trade-offs and Design Considerations

  1. Tensile Strength: Lower than structural grades; not recommended for high-impact frames (use 7075 aluminum for raw power).
  2. Joining Methods: Mechanical fastening is the standard; fusion welding should be avoided to preserve the stress-free state.
  3. Anodizing Look: Due to its cast nature, anodizing may appear more matte or grey than on rolled aluminum sheets.
  4. Surface Hardness: Prone to scratches and dings if handled roughly in heavy industrial environments.
  5. Cost Investment: Higher material cost that is offset by the elimination of secondary finishing processes.

Manufacturing MIC6 at PREMSA Industries

Precision Milling & Fixturing

We specialize in utilizing MIC6 for oversized plates and high-tolerance manifold blocks. Our CNC Machining centers are optimized to maintain the natural flatness of the material.

  • Expertise in deep-pocketing while preserving plate stability
  • High-precision Drilling & Threading for modular assembly systems
  • Custom workholding solutions to prevent material marring

Prototyping & Hybrid Approaches

Before moving to final MIC6 production, we can validate your jig or fixture designs using Prototype 3D Printing. This allows for rapid iteration of the tool's ergonomics.

  • Test assembly kinematics with SLS models
  • Seamless transition from digital design to precision-machined metal plate

Surface Finishing

  • Standard surface is often sufficient; bead blasting can be added for a uniform look
  • Chemical film (Alodine) for corrosion protection without affecting flatness
  • Hard-coat anodizing for specific wear-prone mounting surfaces

High-Value Applications for MIC6

Wherever stability is the priority, MIC6 is the go-to material for premium CNC machined components.

  • Semiconductor manufacturing platens and frames
  • High-speed automated assembly jigs and inspection fixtures
  • Optical benches and laser mounting structures
  • Vacuum tables and flat-bed printing bases
  • Medical diagnostic equipment and imaging components
  • Aerospace assembly templates and checking tools
  • Precision electronic sensor housings
  • Mold bases for high-accuracy plastic prototyping

Is MIC6 the Right Investment for You?

If your project relies on parts fitting together perfectly without shimming or hand-grinding, MIC6 is your best technical investment.

  • When flatness is the single most critical metric of the part
  • When extensive machining would cause other alloys to warp or distort
  • When building high-precision jigs, fixtures, or inspection equipment
  • When you need a lightweight but perfectly stable base for high-tech hardware
  • When you want to reduce overall assembly costs by ensuring part-to-part consistency