Aluminum MIC6 · other
Aluminum MIC6-STD
Properties of the STD condition, compared with the other MIC6 tempers.
Choose the only commercial supply condition — as-cast, stress-relief annealed and precision milled on both faces — for fixtures and tooling plate needing high dimensional stability.
What is MIC6-STD?
MIC6-STD is MIC6 in the STD condition — choose the only commercial supply condition — as-cast, stress-relief annealed and precision milled on both faces — for fixtures and tooling plate needing high dimensional stability. MIC6-STD 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). MIC6-STD 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).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 92/100, better than 99% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 40/100, worse than 90% 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-STD properties
Typical room-temperature values for MIC6-STD — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every MIC6 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
MIC6-STD 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-STD 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-STD 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-STD 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-STD 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-STD's machinability is excellent (92/100, better than 99% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (40/100); formability not recommended (8/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Working with MIC6-STD
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.
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.
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 | — |
MIC6-STD — frequently asked
What is MIC6-STD used for?
MIC6-STD 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-STD?
MIC6-STD 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-STD easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated excellent (92/100, better than 99% 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-STD 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-STD?
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-STD 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-STD?
MIC6-STD 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in MIC6-STD?
Yes — MIC6-STD 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.