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aluminum MIC6 CNC machining, MIC6 tooling plate machining, MIC-6 cast aluminum plate, stress-relieved aluminum plate, MIC6 vacuum chuck, precision fixture plate, cast aluminum tooling plate, MIC6 vs 6061
Aluminum MIC6® (Alcoa Mic-6® Cast Tooling Plate / Precision Cast Aluminum Mold Alloy)
Identification System | Designação | Notas |
|---|---|---|
Commercial Product Name | MIC-6® Aluminum Cast Plate | Proprietary product of Alcoa (formerly Alcoa Mill Products); “MIC-6” is a registered brand, not a generic alloy designation [4†L3-L6] |
Categoria de material | Cast aluminum tooling plate / mold alloy | Continuously cast, thermally stabilized, precision-machined on both faces [6†L17-L18] |
Generic Equivalent | No direct UNS or EN alloy equivalent | Engineering drawings should specify “MIC-6®” or an approved equivalent (e.g., ATP-5, ALCA 5®) rather than assuming a generic cast plate matches [6†L22-L25] |
Common Industry Names | MIC6, Mic-6, cast tooling plate, jig plate, mold plate | “MIC6” is frequently used as a shorthand in B2B RFQs and drawings |
MIC6 belongs to the family of cast aluminum tooling plates—a distinct product class from wrought (rolled or extruded) aluminum alloys. It is produced by continuous casting, slow-cooled under controlled conditions, stress-relieved, and then precision-machined on both faces at the mill [4†L6-L8]. The result is a plate with essentially zero internal residual stress and a uniform, fine granular structure [5†L3-L5]. Common trade names include:
MIC-6® (Alcoa / Arconic registered product)
Cast tooling plate (generic industry term)
Jig plate (legacy shop-floor terminology)
Mold plate (reflecting its historical use in mold bases)
MIC6 occupies the “stability-first, strength-second” niche in the aluminum plate market. It is not a substitute for 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 on strength—its ultimate tensile strength of ~165 MPa is roughly half that of 6061-T6 [5†L17-L18]. Instead, MIC6 is specified when the primary risk is distortion of a broad, precision surface after machining, not structural failure [6†L32-L33]. For B2B procurement, MIC6 is the default specification for vacuum chucks, fixture plates, machine bases, inspection plates, optical mounts, semiconductor tooling, and large automation baseplates where flatness and dimensional stability after material removal are non-negotiable [2†L7-L10]. It is engineered specifically to minimize post-machining stress movement—a problem that even stress-relieved wrought 6061-T651 can exhibit when heavily machined on one side [5†L9-L16].
Propriedade | Typical Value | Unit | Notes / Design Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
Density | 2.70 | g/cm³ | Similar to common aluminum alloys; lightweight relative to steel [6†L38-L39] |
Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | ~165 | MPa | Significantly lower than 6061-T6 (~310 MPa); not a strength-first material [5†L17-L18] |
Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ~105 | MPa | Confirm loads, joints, and safety factors; avoid high-stress structural applications [6†L41-L42] |
Elongação no Break | ~3 | % | Limited ductility compared with wrought products [6†L43-L44] |
Dureza | ~65 | HB | Machines readily; threads require sound design due to lower strength [6†L44-L45] |
Modulus of Elasticity | ~71 | GPa | Stiffness similar to other aluminum alloys [4†L22-L23] |
Thermal Conductivity | ~142 | W/m·K | Useful for thermal plates and heat-spreading fixtures; heat concentrates at cutting edge [4†L25-L26] |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) | 23.6 (20–100°C); 24.5 (20–200°C) | µm/m·°C | Comparable to other aluminum alloys [4†L24-L25] |
Maximum Service Temperature (Air) | ~427 | °C | Thermal cycling up to 800°F under controlled conditions is possible per Alcoa [4†L25-L26] [7†L14-L15] |
Electrical Volume Resistivity | ~4.79 × 10⁻⁶ | ohm·cm | — [4†L26-L27] |
Dimensional stability: Excelente. The defining characteristic of MIC6 is its essentially zero internal stress from the casting and stress-relief process [5†L3-L5]. Parts remain flat after extensive machining, even when large pockets, vacuum channels, and mounting patterns are cut into the plate [6†L4-L8].
Thermal stability: MIC6 is designed to resist distortion from end-use temperature fluctuations. Alcoa notes that thermal cycling can be performed up to 800°F (427°C) under controlled conditions [7†L14-L15].
Wear resistance: moderado. Uncoated MIC6 is not intended for high-friction wear interfaces; anodizing (Type II/III) is used for surface protection and wear improvement where required.
Impact resistance: Limited. The 3% elongation reflects lower ductility than wrought alloys; MIC6 is not specified for shock-loaded or high-impact applications [6†L43-L44].
All values are typical industry data based on Alcoa product datasheets and independent machining references. Actual properties vary by thickness, plate size, and supplier. MIC6 is a proprietary product; always confirm the current material certificate for the specific lot.
Note: MIC6 is a proprietary cast product. Published composition ranges vary between sources; the table below reflects the range most commonly cited in independent machining datasheets and supplier literature for the cast tooling plate grade.
Element | Typical Range (%) | Functional Role in MIC6 |
|---|---|---|
Al (Aluminum) | Balance | Matriz |
Si (Silicon) | 0.4–0.7 | Improves casting fluidity; contributes to the cast granular structure [8†L12-L12] |
Fe (Iron) | ≤ 0.30 | Impurity; kept low to maintain machinability and surface quality [8†L12-L13] |
Cu (Copper) | ≤ 0.25 | Limited to preserve corrosion resistance and castability [8†L13-L13] |
Mn (Manganese) | ≤ 0.10 | Minor; not a primary alloying element in this grade [8†L13-L13] |
Mg (Magnesium) | ≤ 0.10 | Kept low; this is not a high-magnesium 5xxx-type alloy [8†L14-L14] |
Zn (Zinc) | ≤ 0.10 | Strictly limited; high Zn would compromise castability and stability [8†L14-L14] |
Others (each / total) | — / — | Per supplier specification |
Some commercial sources list alternative composition ranges for products marketed under the “MIC-6” name. This reinforces the need to specify the product by name, supplier, and certificate rather than treating “MIC6” as a generic alloy chemistry.
Atmospheric corrosion: Bom.. Aluminum’s natural oxide film provides adequate protection in indoor and mild outdoor environments.
Chemical resistance: moderado. MIC6 is not a corrosion-first alloy; aggressive acids, alkalis, and chloride-rich environments require anodizing, conversion coating, or alternative materials.
Galvanic corrosion risk: Present when coupled with steel or other cathodic metals in the presence of an electrolyte. Isolation or coating is recommended for mixed-material assemblies.
Anodizing response: Generally good, but not as clean as wrought 6061. For cosmetic-critical work, finish-machine to remove surface imperfections before Type II anodizing [5†L40-L41].
Welding: Not recommended as a primary fabrication method. MIC6 is a cast tooling plate designed for machining, not weld fabrication. Welding introduces local stresses and heat-affected zones that defeat the material’s stability advantage.
Adhesive bonding: Bom., provided the surface is properly degreased and prepared (mechanical abrasion or chemical etch).
Mechanical fastening: Preferred. MIC6 is commonly assembled with bolts, dowels, and inserts. Threaded inserts (e.g., Helicoil®) are recommended for applications requiring repeated disassembly, given the material’s moderate hardness [5†L44-L44].
Rating: EASY (comparable to 6061, with one unique consideration: porosity)
MIC6 is intentionally engineered for high-speed metal removal with minimal distortion [4†L6-L8]. Its machinability rating is approximately 90/100, closely matching 6061 aluminum [5†L5-L6]. The cast granular structure produces clean, predictable chips, and the absence of internal stress means deep pockets and asymmetric cuts do not cause the part to bow or twist after unclamping [5†L12-L16]. The single most important difference from wrought 6061 is occasional porosity inherent to the casting process. This is not a defect in the conventional sense—it is a characteristic of cast plate—but it requires process planning for optical, sealing, or vacuum-tight applications [5†L33-L36].
Aplicação | Tool Recommendation | Key Geometry / Coating |
|---|---|---|
Milling (roughing & finishing) | Uncoated polished carbide, 3-flute design (same as 6061) | Sharp edges with positive rake; polished flutes for chip evacuation [5†L31-L32] |
Turning | Uncoated carbide inserts | Sharp edge; positive rake; chip breaker optimized for aluminum |
Drilling | Solid carbide drills | Sharp point; polished flutes; coolant through the tool preferred for deep holes |
Tapping | HSS taps | Sharp; adequate lubrication; consider forming taps for blind holes in softer sections |
Operation | Tool | SFM | Feed (IPT / IPR) | Notas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Roughing Mill | Uncoated carbide, 3FL | 1,000–1,800 | 0.005–0.012 IPT | Values assume roughly ½“–1” end mills; scale down for smaller tools [5†L23-L24] |
Finishing Mill | Uncoated carbide, 3FL | 1,500–2,200 | 0.003–0.008 IPT | Reduce chip load for improved surface finish [5†L24-L24] |
Roughing Turn | Uncoated carbide | 1,000–2,000 | 0.012–0.025 IPR | — [5†L25-L26] |
Finishing Turn | Uncoated carbide | 1,500–2,500 | 0.005–0.012 IPR | — [5†L26-L26] |
Drilling | Solid carbide | 300–500 | 0.005–0.015 IPR | Peck cycle for deep holes [5†L27-L27] |
Tapping | HSS | 50–100 | — | Use appropriate lubrication [5†L27-L28] |
Parameters are starting-point references from independent machining guides. Evefab adjusts based on the actual plate thickness, fixture rigidity, coolant strategy, and porosity observations on the specific lot.
Issue | Root Cause in MIC6 | Evefab Solution |
|---|---|---|
Porosity exposed after machining | Inherent to the casting process; occasional small voids [5†L33-L34] | Leave finish stock to clean up minor porosity; for optical, sealing, or vacuum-tight features, specify ATP-5 (premium grade with tighter porosity control) or plan for impregnation/coating [5†L34-L36] |
Exposing raw cast structure | Some MIC6 grades have only ~0.060“–0.125” of as-cast surface machined off at the mill [5†L37-L38] | Do not machine deeper than the specification allows on critical surfaces; if deeper removal is required, confirm with the material supplier whether the exposed structure is acceptable for the application [5†L38-L39] |
Anodize appearance inconsistency | Cast structure can produce a less uniform anodic film than wrought 6061 [5†L40-L40] | For cosmetic-critical parts, finish-machine to remove surface imperfections, then Type II anodize; verify first-article color and film thickness [5†L40-L41] |
Thread pull-out in thin sections | Lower hardness (~65 HB) and yield strength (~105 MPa) [6†L41-L44] | Design with threaded inserts (Helicoil®, Keensert®) for repeated assembly; increase engagement length in softer sections |
Part movement during machining | Very unlikely due to near-zero internal stress [5†L3-L5] | Maintain good workholding practice; the material itself is designed to stay flat. If movement occurs, verify the plate is genuine MIC6 (not a substitute wrought plate) and confirm the fixturing is not inducing distortion |
As-supplied plate flatness (before machining): 0.015” (0.38 mm) on 1/4“–5/8” thickness; 0.005” (0.13 mm) on 3/4“–4” thickness [7†L13-L14]
As-supplied thickness tolerance: ±0.005” (±0.13 mm) from nominal on 1/4“–4” [7†L12-L13]
As-supplied surface finish: 20 microinches (≈ 0.5 µm Ra) typical on both faces [7†L11-L12]
CNC machined tolerance (milling): ±0.02 mm standard; ±0.005 mm achievable on critical features with careful setup and in-process inspection
CNC turned diameter tolerance: ±0.005 mm; concentricity within 0.01 mm; good roundness [3†L21-L22]
Surface roughness (as-machined): Ra 1.6 µm standard; Ra 0.4–0.8 µm achievable with optimized finishing parameters [3†L21-L23]
3/4/5-axis CNC milling — primary process for tooling plates, vacuum chucks, fixture bases, and large precision surfaces
Torneamento CNC — shafts, flanges, bushings, and cylindrical components from MIC6 bar stock [3†L19-L21]
CNC drilling / tapping / threading — with attention to thread design in the softer matrix
CNC boring — for precision bores, seal interfaces, and bearing seats
Surface grinding — for achieving flatness and finish beyond as-supplied tolerances
High-speed machining (HSM): Excelente. The cast structure and low cutting forces allow aggressive material removal without the distortion risk of wrought plate [4†L6-L8]. High-speed steel removal is one of the material’s design intents.
Thin-walled / large-plate machining: Excelente. This is MIC6’s core competency. Large plates with extensive pockets, vacuum channels, and asymmetric features remain flat because the internal stress is essentially zero [5†L11-L16].
Complex geometry / monolithic parts: Good–Moderate. MIC6 is not a strength-first alloy, so very thin, load-bearing monolithic structures are better served by 6061 or 7075. For stiff, flat, geometrically complex tooling and fixture components, MIC6 is an ideal match.
Indústria | Typical MIC6 Parts | Why MIC6 Fits |
|---|---|---|
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing | Vacuum chuck plates, wafer handling fixtures, inspection bases, equipment mounting platforms | Exceptional flatness after machining; dimensional stability under thermal cycling; low outgassing when cleaned and coated [2†L9-L10] |
Automation & Robotics | Robot base plates, end-effector mounting plates, linear stage bases, gantry tables | Stable foundation for precision motion; minimal post-machining distortion; good vibration damping relative to thin wrought plate [2†L43-L44] |
Metrology & Inspection | CMM fixture plates, gauge bases, optical breadboards, metrology platforms | Flatness and stability are the primary requirements; MIC6 avoids the “spring” effect of stressed wrought plate when clamps are released [2†L41-L42] |
Tooling, Jigs & Fixtures | CNC fixture bases, modular tooling plates, welding fixtures, assembly jigs | Machinability close to 6061; stays flat after pockets and bolt patterns; widely stocked in common thicknesses [2†L7-L8] |
Medical & Analytical Equipment | Instrument bases, fluid-handling manifolds (non-pressure-critical), optical mounts | Stable platform for precision mechanisms; machinable to fine finishes; anodizable for cleanroom compatibility |
Packaging & Printing Machinery | Print head mounting plates, die-cut bases, registration platforms | Maintains alignment under dynamic loads; resists distortion from temperature fluctuations in production environments [2†L49-L50] |
Large vacuum chuck plates with intricate channel networks: MIC6 is machined with deep vacuum channels, O-ring grooves, and mounting holes. Because the material has near-zero internal stress, the plate remains flat after the channels are cut—unlike wrought 6061, which can bow when a large percentage of material is removed from one face [5†L11-L16]. Key design consideration: Specify ATP-5 or confirm porosity limits if the vacuum channels must hold a seal without leakage [5†L34-L36].
Robot base plates and gantry mounting interfaces: Large MIC6 plates are machined with precision dowel holes, bolt patterns, and flat mounting faces for linear rails and robot pedestals. The material’s stiffness (~71 GPa) is comparable to other aluminum alloys, but its stability ensures that the mounting face stays flat after the plate is bolted to a frame [6†L42-L43].
Optical breadboards and metrology fixture plates: MIC6 is machined with threaded hole arrays (often with inserts) and precision reference surfaces. The material’s flatness and low stress make it a cost-effective alternative to wrought tooling plate for less demanding optical and inspection applications [2†L20-L23].
Semiconductor process chamber tooling and wafer handling end-effectors: MIC6 is used for non-structural, stability-critical components where flatness and cleanliness matter. For load-bearing or high-cycle fatigue applications, a wrought alloy would be specified instead.
Evefab maintains qualified stock of genuine MIC-6® cast tooling plate in common thicknesses (typically 1/4“ to 4”) and plate sizes, with mill certificates traceable to the Alcoa/Arconic source. For applications where porosity is a concern—optical sealing surfaces, vacuum-tight channels, or cosmetic anodizing—our engineering team proactively discusses the trade-offs between standard MIC6 and premium low-porosity grades (e.g., ATP-5) before quoting [5†L34-L36]. We also provide a transparent cross-reference to 6061-T651 or 7075-T651 when the application requires higher strength, and to ATP-5 when porosity control is the driving factor. We help you select the correct plate product and grade before the first chip is cut.
Our process library includes validated parameter sets for MIC6 cast plate across roughing, finishing, drilling, and tapping operations, derived from independent machining references and our own production history [5†L22-L28]. For large-plate jobs, we lock parameters against the specific lot’s thickness and flatness certificate and monitor porosity exposure in-process—particularly on finishing passes—to prevent scrap at the final inspection stage. Yield rates for MIC6 production parts consistently exceed 97% at first-pass inspection on stable, repeat-order programs, with dedicated fixturing and coolant strategies optimized for cast aluminum.
Evefab delivers ±0.02 mm standard machining tolerancee±0.005 mm on critical features for MIC6 components using 4-axis and 5-axis CNC platforms. As-machined surface finish reaches Ra 1.6 µm, with Ra 0.4–0.8 µm available through optimized finishing paths [3†L21-L23]. For parts requiring surface enhancement, we coordinate Type II and Type III anodizing, chromate conversion coating, and precision grinding through qualified finishing partners. For cosmetic-critical anodized parts, we follow the best practice of finish-machining to remove cast surface imperfections before anodizing [5†L40-L41].
From 1–10 piece prototype runs (typically 3–5 working days for MIC6 after drawing release) to 10,000+ piece annual volumes, Evefab scales MIC6 production across dedicated machining cells configured for large-format aluminum plate. For large-plate programs, we manage the entire workflow—material sourcing, stress-relief verification (via mill certificate), rough machining, natural aging if required, finish machining, and final flatness inspection—so the delivered part meets the stability requirements the design intended.
Every MIC6 shipment includes a mill certificate (EN 10204 3.1 or supplier equivalent) traceable to the heat/lot number, with actual thickness, flatness, and surface finish verification. In-process inspection uses CMM, precision levels, and surface roughness testers; final inspection reports include flatness data (measured on a granite surface plate), dimensional data, and surface finish values per your drawing. FAI (First Article Inspection) and PPAP documentation are available for production programs. For semiconductor and metrology applications, we can additionally coordinate cleanroom packaging and particle-count verification as required.
Contact Evefab for a CNC machining quote and DFM consultation for your Aluminum MIC6 (Cast Tooling Plate) project. Upload your CAD files and specify plate thickness, flatness requirement after machining, porosity sensitivity (standard MIC6 vs. ATP-5), and surface finish/anodizing requirements—our engineering team will return a manufacturability review and firm quote within 24 hours.
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