When it comes to standing out from the competition, Mic 6 may be the best possible example across any industry. Approximately five decades ago, Alcoa became known as the leading producer of aluminum tooling plate. However, despite how in-demand the product was, there were still some problems.
The Alcoa team used the information gleaned from their customers to understand the problems with their existing cast tool and jig plate. What they found was that flatness, stability, tolerances, and the slight irregularities on the surface of this initial plate created problems for tooling.
The Alcoa team tried different blends of alloying metals and also developed different production options. Today, Alcoa is Arconic, and the original cast tool and jig plate has been replaced to include the exceptional Mic 6 aluminum properties. Thanks to this commitment to quality, the Mic 6 aluminum plate of today is considered the gold standard for tooling and jigs.
Key Mic 6 Aluminum Properties
Thanks to innovations in casting this plate, the Mic 6 aluminum properties include exceptional flatness, stability, and thickness tolerances. The casting is completed to a near net thickness, with a surface that is free from irregularities and exceptionally smooth.
This is obtained by SNIF degassing and impurity removals during the continuous casting process. However, even after this is achieved, the plate is still finished by surface grinding, and then flatness tolerances are verified using a granite flatness table or a laser system.
Machinable, weldable, and very stable, Mic 6 aluminum plate can withstand thermal cycling and exposure to the environment, although it is not recommended for marine use.
