Dimensional Stability

Manufactured using the proprietary stress-relieved process of AA5083 aluminum, Alca 5 aluminum plate offers exceptional dimensional stability that provides cost savings on extra work such as rough-milling, finishing, or re-works. Alca 5 does not wrap over during this process and continues to retain its dimension throughout its service life—ideal properties of jigs and molds. Alca 5 jigs are reliable when it comes to repeatedly adding stability to other tools in the manufacturing process. Similarly, Alca 5 molds are dimensionally stable and predictable for churning out parts with low tolerances at a higher rate as the temperature fluctuates.

Machinability

Alca 5 has excellent machinability, thanks to its stability over a wide range of temperatures. It’s manufactured using the vertical direct chill (VDC) billet process and has a porosity-free billet. However, for obtaining a smooth surface, it’s important to maintain a high cutting speed and utilize sintered carbide cutting tools during the process.

Corrosion Resistance

Alca 5 offers exceptional corrosion resistance under inland atmospheres, and the presence of magnesium makes it highly sought-after for marine applications as well. However, excess magnesium content makes it susceptible to stress corrosion cracking; therefore, you can not use it above 149 °F.

Lightweight

Alca 5 is a derivative of 5083 aluminum that has a low density of 2.66 g/cm³, less than even MIC-6. The low weight helps fabricators retain dimensional stability during operation and makes it highly desirable for manufacturing parts for robotic assembly lines where extremely well-coordinated movements matter.

Welding

Alca 5 has very good weldability for both WIG/MIG and resistance welding. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 158 °F can cause intercrystalline corrosion.

Fun fact: Alca 5 aluminum plate, known for its exceptional dimensional stability, is so precisely manufactured that its thickness tolerances can be as tight as ±0.005 inches, ensuring minimal to no distortion during machining.

Typical Applications of Alca 5 Aluminum Plates

Alca 5 cast aluminum plates are highly versatile and find extensive use in various industries. Their precision machined surface makes them ideal for applications requiring high accuracy, such as in the construction of machine parts, tools, and jigs. The yield strength and durability of these plates make them suitable for demanding environments. 

Additionally, the customization options available with Alca 5 plates cater to specific industry needs. Whether you require standard sizes or custom dimensions for your cast tool projects, Alca 5 aluminum plates offer flexible solutions. This adaptability, combined with their superior quality, makes Alca 5 plates a preferred choice in the realm of cast aluminum plate options.

Alca 5 is used in various industries such as automation, robotics, packaging, custom machinery applications, mold applications, and more. Machinists prefer Alca 5 over MIC-6 when applications require a lightweight material under high-stress conditions.

Some typical applications of Alca 5 include but are not limited to:

• Precision applications
• Side and base plates
• Index tables
• Jigs and fixtures
• Machine parts and mounting
• Construction equipment

Production Process of Cast Aluminum Plate

The Alca 5 aluminum plate stands out in the world of cast plates due to its meticulous production process. Starting with the selection of prime aluminum ingots, each Alca 5 cast aluminum plate is created with precision and care. 

The process begins by casting a large slab of aluminum, akin to slicing a loaf of bread, which is then transformed into plates with a precision machined surface. This method ensures the highest quality and uniformity in every aluminum plate. 

The meticulous production process of these cast tool and jig plates results in a product that offers outstanding dimensional stability and minimal internal stress. This makes the Alca 5 cast plate a superior choice among plate options, particularly for projects where precision is paramount.

Popular Alca 5 Aluminum Plate Alternatives

The core element of Alca 5 is magnesium; in this regard, its two most popular alternatives are ATP-5 from Vista Metals and K-100S from Alpase. Both are manufactured using the same casting process as Alca 5 to offer porosity-free billets. Thus, replacing Alca 5 with ATP-5 or K-100S will not hamper the end performance.

Alternatively, fabricators also prefer MIC-6, which is a 7000-series aluminum alloy. In terms of surface finish, surface condition, and flatness deviation, both MIC-6 and Alca 5 alloys are equal. However, MIC-6 is a little denser and less tensile than Alca 5. Moreover, MIC-6 is costly. That’s why small machine shops find these alternatives to MIC-6 very helpful in optimizing project costs.

Fabricators and small machine shops can recognize even more cost savings by utilizing recycled usable remnants of these alloys instead of purchasing them directly from the mill. It’s a common strategy that many hobbyists and smaller machine shops follow to bring down fabrication costs without compromising quality.

Precision Aluminum Tooling Plates From a Trusted Metal Supplier

Industrial Metal Service has been supplying new and remnant metals, including Alca 5 aluminum plates, to hobbyists and fabricators in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationwide for more than two decades. We can meet your on-demand requirements for tooling plates, including MIC-6 and 6061 aluminum, on short notice. We can also help you meet your precise dimension requirements without compromising tolerances with our state-of-the-art aluminum cutting setup.