Fly-Cut Billet vs. Cast MIC-6 Aluminum: Choosing the Right Material
When selecting aluminum for precision machining, tooling, or structural applications, two popular choices emerge: fly-cut billet aluminum and cast MIC-6 aluminum. Each has distinct advantages depending on your needs.
Fly-Cut Billet Aluminum
Billet aluminum is a solid block of aluminum that has been extruded or rolled, ensuring a uniform grain structure and high strength. When fly-cut, the surface is machined to achieve exceptional flatness and smoothness, making it ideal for applications requiring tight tolerances.
Key Benefits:
- Higher Strength – Billet aluminum, especially 6061-T6, offers superior mechanical properties.
- Excellent Machinability – Works well for CNC machining, drilling, and tapping.
- Superior Surface Finish – Fly-cutting removes imperfections, ensuring a smooth, precise surface.
- Good Anodizing Performance – Ideal for applications requiring surface treatments.
Cast MIC-6 Aluminum
MIC-6 is a cast aluminum tooling plate known for its dimensional stability and low internal stress. It is produced using a continuous casting process, which minimizes warping and distortion during machining.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional Flatness – MIC-6 is cast to achieve ±0.005”/ft flatness, making it perfect for tooling and fixture bases.
- Low Internal Stress – Reduces distortion during machining.
- Great for Precision Applications – Ideal for inspection tables, jigs, and fixtures.
- Limited Strength Compared to Billet – MIC-6 is softer and less suitable for high-load applications.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you need high strength, durability, and surface treatments, fly-cut billet aluminum is the better choice.
- If flatness and dimensional stability are your priority, cast MIC-6 aluminum is ideal.