MIC-6 cast aluminum tooling plate: Precision ground, stress relieved aluminum for machining and fixturing
MIC-6 is a cast aluminum tooling plate specifically engineered for dimensional stability, flatness, and excellent machinability. Unlike rolled aluminum sheet such as 5052 or 6061, MIC-6 is cast, stress relieved, and precision ground to tight flatness tolerances. This makes it ideal for fixtures, jigs, base plates, mounting plates, machine components, and applications where flatness and stability matter more than high structural strength.
At SendCutSend, we laser cut MIC-6 cast aluminum in .250 inch, .375 inch, and .500 inch thicknesses to ±.005 inch tolerance.
What are the key things to know about MIC-6 cast aluminum?
- Cast aluminum tooling plate with superior flatness
- Stress relieved for dimensional stability
- Precision ground on both sides
- Excellent machinability
- Ideal for fixtures, jigs, and base plates
What is MIC-6 aluminum and how is it different from 6061 or 5052?
MIC-6 is a cast aluminum tooling plate, not a rolled sheet product. The casting process allows for uniform internal structure and stress relief, which improves flatness and reduces movement during machining.
Compared to 6061 aluminum:
- MIC-6 is cast, 6061 is rolled
- MIC-6 offers better flatness than 6061
- MIC-6 has less internal stress than 6061
- 6061 is stronger structurally than MIC-6
- 6061 is better for load-bearing parts than MIC-6
Compared to 5052 aluminum:
- MIC-6 is more stable during machining than 5052
- 5052 is better for forming and bending than MIC-6
- MIC-6 is better for flat mounting surfaces than 5052
- 5052 is more corrosion resistant in marine environments than MIC-6
MIC-6 is typically chosen when flatness and machinability are more important than ultimate strength.
Why do machinists choose MIC-6 for tooling plates and fixtures?
Machinists and engineers frequently choose MIC-6 because it reduces the risk of part distortion during machining.
Reasons MIC-6 is preferred:
- Stress relieved material reduces warping
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Consistent internal structure
- Flat and parallel surfaces
- Machines easily with less tool wear
- Minimal movement after material removal
For fixture plates, vacuum tables, base plates, and machine components, stability is critical. MIC-6 performs exceptionally well in these applications.
How flat is MIC-6 cast aluminum?
Flatness is one of the main selling points of MIC-6.
Because it is cast and precision ground, MIC-6:
- Has superior flatness compared to rolled plate
- Maintains parallel surfaces
- Reduces the need for secondary surfacing
- Minimizes bowing after machining
- Maintains tight tolerances over larger surface areas
This makes it ideal for mounting precision components or building machine bases.
How well does MIC-6 machine?
MIC-6 machines very well because:
- It has a fine, consistent grain structure
- It produces clean chips
- It reduces cutter chatter
- It holds tolerances well
- It drills and taps cleanly
- It performs well in pocketing operations
Compared to 6061, MIC-6 often produces less stress-related movement when large amounts of material are removed.
This is especially important when machining large flat plates or creating precision alignment surfaces.
How does MIC-6 perform in structural applications?
MIC-6 is not typically selected for structural load-bearing parts.
Compared to 6061 or 7075 Aluminum:
- MIC-6 has lower tensile strength
- MIC-6 is not intended for high stress structural use
- 6061 is stronger and more versatile for structural components
- 7075 is significantly stronger for aerospace or high load applications
MIC-6 should be selected for stability and flatness, not maximum strength.
What are the advantages of using MIC-6 cast aluminum?
Excellent dimensional stability
Stress relieved casting reduces internal stresses that cause warping.
Superior flatness
Precision ground surfaces save machining time.
Great machinability
Tools last longer and parts machine cleanly.
Reduced distortion
Large pocketing operations result in less movement compared to rolled plate.
Ideal for fixtures and base plates
Flatness and stability make it well suited for machine setups.
What are the limitations of MIC-6 aluminum?
Not ideal for bending or forming
Cast aluminum is not designed for forming operations.
Lower strength than 6061 and 7075
It should not replace structural alloys in high load designs.
Not commonly welded
Welding cast plate is generally not recommended for precision applications.
Slightly different surface appearance
Cast plate has a different surface finish than rolled sheet.
Cost may be higher than standard rolled aluminum
The casting and grinding process adds value but also cost.
How well does MIC-6 laser cut?
Laser cutting MIC-6 produces clean edges and accurate profiles.
At SendCutSend, MIC-6 is laser cut to:
- ±.005 inch tolerance
- Clean outer profiles
- Accurate hole placement
- Consistent edge quality
- Minimal burr formation
SendCutSend offers the following secondary operations on Mic6 parts:
How should I design parts in MIC-6 for laser cutting and machining?
Recommended design practices for MIC-6:
- Maintain hole sizes appropriate for .250 inch, .375 inch, or .500 inch thickness
- Avoid extremely sharp internal corners
- Add fillets for internal cutouts
- Plan for post-cut machining operations
- Consider final flatness requirements
- Leave machining allowance where necessary
- Avoid designing for bending
For general sheet design rules:
https://sendcutsend.com/guidelines
What are the most common uses for MIC-6 aluminum plate?
MIC-6 is widely used in precision environments. Typical applications include:
- CNC fixture plates
- Vacuum tables
- Machine bases
- Mounting plates
- Jig plates
- Inspection fixtures
- Assembly tooling
- Router tables
- Test stands
- Automation equipment components
It is also used in manufacturing cells where flat, stable platforms are required.
Is MIC-6 cut and produced in the USA?
MIC-6 aluminum sheets are precision laser cut in SendCutSend’s U.S. facilities:
- Reno, Nevada
- Paris, Kentucky
- Arlington, Texas
Orders ship in 2 to 4 days, making it easy to source precision tooling plate quickly.
When should I use MIC-6 cast aluminum instead of 6061?
Choose MIC-6 when your project requires:
- High flatness
- Dimensional stability
- Minimal movement during machining
- Fixture or tooling applications
- Base plates and mounting platforms
- Large surface areas that must remain stable
Choose 6061 when your project requires:
- Structural strength
- Welding
- Load bearing capacity
- General purpose aluminum use
MIC-6 is not a replacement for structural aluminum alloys. It is a precision tooling plate designed for stability and machinability.
SendCutSend laser cuts MIC-6 cast aluminum in .250 inch, .375 inch, and .500 inch thicknesses to ±.005 inch tolerance, giving machinists and engineers precision blanks ready for high accuracy applications.
