Aluminum MIC6
also MIC-6
MIC6 (MIC-6) is a continuously cast, stress-relieved high-silicon aluminium tooling plate, machined on both faces to tight thickness and flatness tolerances.
MIC6 tempers and conditions
MIC6 is supplied in one standard condition, STD.
What is MIC6?
MIC6 (MIC-6) is a continuously cast, stress-relieved high-silicon aluminium tooling plate, machined on both faces to tight thickness and flatness tolerances. Its selling point is dimensional stability rather than strength: the cast structure carries no rolling-direction residual stress, so plate stays flat after heavy single-side machining, which is why it is used for fixture base plates, vacuum platens, inspection gauges, automation bases and mould backing plates. Limits are low strength and about 3 % elongation in the as-cast condition, no cold forming capability, moderate weldability, and a dark, uneven anodized appearance caused by the high silicon content. MIC6 has a density of 2.77 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of aluminum grades. It melts at 557°C (1,035 °F). MIC6 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
What is MIC6 used for?
- Fixture and jig base plates
- Vacuum platens and vacuum chucks
- Inspection gauges and checking fixtures
- Automation and machine equipment base plates
- Mold backing plates
- Thermoforming tool bases
- Optical and metrology mounting plates
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 8/100, worse than 88% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 110 MPa (16 ksi), worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
MIC6 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
MIC6 has a density of 2.77 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 71% of aluminum grades. It melts at 557°C (1,035 °F).
Mechanical11
MIC6 has a yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
MIC6 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 141 W/m·K (81.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 50% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.5 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
MIC6 conducts electricity at 36 % IACS, better than 55% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 62% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MIC6 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 11.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 60%.
Manufacturability8
MIC6's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (8/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. MIC6 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with MIC6
Is MIC6 easy to machine?
Very easy to machine with short chips and high-speed milling, and distortion after machining is minimal. The silicon particles are abrasive, so use diamond or coated carbide tooling with generous coolant.
Can MIC6 be welded?
TIG/MIG repair with 4043 filler is possible, but the cast structure is porosity-prone and dimensional stability is lost around the heat-affected zone. Not recommended for structural welded assemblies.
Can MIC6 be formed, bent or molded?
With only about 3 % elongation in the as-cast condition it cannot be cold bent or stamped; all shaping is by milling, drilling and tapping.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to MIC6. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better92 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
MIC6 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Sihigh-Si cast alloy, gives dimensional stability and machinability | 8.5 – 9.5 | 9 |
| Fe | ≤ 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Mg | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on MIC6?
Normally used as-supplied with the precision-milled faces and protective paper. Decorative anodizing looks grey and uneven because of the high silicon; hard anodizing, electroless nickel or paint are the practical coatings, and polishing will not reach a mirror finish.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum MIC6 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Trade names
- MIC-6
- Similar grades
- 5083-cast-plate
How much does MIC6 cost?
MIC6 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
MIC6 — frequently asked
What is MIC6 used for?
MIC6 is typically used for fixture and jig base plates, vacuum platens and vacuum chucks, inspection gauges and checking fixtures, automation and machine equipment base plates, mold backing plates and thermoforming tool bases. In short: zero internal stress; dead flat.
What is the yield strength of MIC6?
MIC6 has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 81% of aluminum grades.
Is MIC6 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 98% of aluminum grades). Very easy to machine with short chips and high-speed milling, and distortion after machining is minimal. The silicon particles are abrasive, so use diamond or coated carbide tooling with generous coolant.
Can MIC6 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (40/100). TIG/MIG repair with 4043 filler is possible, but the cast structure is porosity-prone and dimensional stability is lost around the heat-affected zone. Not recommended for structural welded assemblies.
What surface finishes work on MIC6?
Normally used as-supplied with the precision-milled faces and protective paper. Decorative anodizing looks grey and uneven because of the high silicon; hard anodizing, electroless nickel or paint are the practical coatings, and polishing will not reach a mirror finish.
Can MIC6 be formed, bent or molded?
With only about 3 % elongation in the as-cast condition it cannot be cold bent or stamped; all shaping is by milling, drilling and tapping.
What is the maximum service temperature of MIC6?
MIC6 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does MIC6 cost?
MIC6 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in MIC6?
Yes — MIC6 is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- MIC6 Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate data sheet — Alcoa / Arconic (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- MatWeb entry: Aluminum MIC-6 Cast Plate — MatWeb LLC (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.