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Aluminum

MIC-6 Cast Tooling Plate

MIC-6 is a cast aluminum tooling plate engineered for exceptional flatness and dimensional stability, the qualities that matter most for machine bases, jigs, and fixtures. At 2.7 g/cm3 with 165 MPa tensile, it is not a strength grade; it is stress-relieved cast plate that machines cleanly at 4.5/5 and stays flat, so precision tooling holds its geometry over time.

How MIC-6 Cast Tooling Plate machines

MIC-6 machines excellently at 4.5/5, cutting clean and chip-free with a fine, uniform cast structure free of the internal stresses that cause wrought plate to warp when machined. Because it is pre-stress-relieved, large plates can be surfaced and pocketed without bowing, a decisive advantage for accurate, flat fixture and base plates.

Manufacturing & processing

MIC-6 is produced by casting, then stress-relieved and precision-ground to tight flatness, and is primarily CNC machined into tooling. Its stability means asymmetric machining does not induce warp, unlike rolled plate. It is meant to be cut, not formed or welded structurally; its value is dimensional stability for finished tooling.

Typical applications

MIC-6 is used for machine bases, vacuum chucks, jigs, fixtures, gauge plates, base plates, and tooling where flatness and stability are critical. Semiconductor, automation, inspection, and machine-build shops rely on it for precision mounting surfaces that stay flat after machining and through service.

When to choose it

Choose MIC-6 when flatness and dimensional stability after machining matter more than strength, as for fixtures, jigs, and machine bases. For load-bearing structural parts, choose 6061 or 6082, which are stronger. Avoid MIC-6 where high strength or welded structure is required. It wins specifically on flatness, stability, and clean machining.

Suitable surface finishes

Common finishes for MIC-6 Cast Tooling Plate: Type II anodizing, chromate/Alodine, powder coating, bead blasting. Use the finish selector →

FAQ

Why does MIC-6 stay flat when machined?
MIC-6 is cast and then stress-relieved, so it carries little residual internal stress. Wrought rolled plate locks in rolling stresses that release unevenly during machining and cause warping. With those stresses already relieved, MIC-6 can be machined asymmetrically and still hold its flatness, ideal for precision tooling.
Is MIC-6 strong enough for structural parts?
Generally no. At 165 MPa tensile and only 3 percent elongation it is weaker and more brittle than wrought 6061 or 6082. It is chosen for flatness and machinability, not strength. Use it for fixtures, bases, and tooling, and pick a wrought structural grade for load-bearing members.
MIC-6 or 6061 for a fixture plate?
For a precision fixture that must stay flat after extensive machining, MIC-6 is better because it resists warping and machines cleanly. 6061 is stronger and cheaper but can bow when heavily machined due to rolling stresses. Choose MIC-6 for stability and flatness, 6061 for strength and economy.

Property values are typical/nominal for early guidance and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specs against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer.