Alca 5

Since introduction into the cast tool and jig plate market in 2006, Alca 5™ aluminum plate, a Precision Cast Plate (AA5083), has been and continues to be manufactured by PCP Aluminium located in Canada.  PCP carefully selects only prime aluminum ingots for production of their cast plate products, such as Alca5™ and Alca Max™.  By controlling the raw material, PCP is able to produce Alca-5™ cast tool and jig plate to aluminum alloy 5083.  In addition, meticulous attention to detail throughout the production process allows PCP to guarantee performance of these premium cast aluminum plates.

Why Offer Alca 5™ Cast Tool & Jig Plate to Our Customers?

What you should know about us is that we believe in the motto, If we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, then we won’t sell it to you.  In 2007, Howard Precision Metals realized that our customers needed a Mic-6® alternative that offered better anodizing characteristics.  Thus, we began searching for a producer of cast plate whose product could meet our rigid quality standards and guarantee their product’s performance.  After months of trialing other cast aluminum plate products, the Howard’s decided to stock PCP Aluminum’s Alca-5™.  Produced to a 5083 certified cast plate, Alca-5™ has superior anodizing response when compared to Mic-6®.  With a density 5% less than Mic-6®, there is a 5% weight reduction in each purchased plate of Alca 5™.  Most importantly, PCP has proven to us since 2007 that they were right choice for our customers.  Because they continually invest in technology and equipment that improves their products, we can offer more value to our customers.  Just recently they installed an additional milling line that can precision mill the surface of a plate up to 98″ wide in one pass.  Yes, I said one pass!!! Can you imagine a 98″ diameter machining head?  Trust me it is pretty amazing.

How is Alca 5™ Aluminium Cast Plate Made?

The production of Alca 5™ precision cast tool and jig plate begins with a very large slab of aluminum.  These slabs are then sliced, much like a loaf of bread, to a near net thickness.  Once sliced, these plates are then precision machined on the top and bottom.  This process eliminates surface imperfections while simultaneously yielding the desired thickness.  Next, the plates are precision saw cut to width and length.  Once cut, they are onto the PVC coating station. Here the protective film is applied to both the top and bottom of the pristine cast aluminum tool & jig plates.  Finally, the aluminum cast plates are packaged, loaded, and shipped.

Thickness Tolerances and Surface Conditions of Precision CT&J Plate

Like other cast tool and jig plates, Alca 5™ is machined on the top and the bottom of the plate.  The finish on these plates has a roughness of ≤ 16µ in.  The precision milled surface finishes are then coated with a protective film, on both the top and bottom of the plates, to ensure protection while in transit.  Not only does this machining offer a pristine finish, but it also means that thickness tolerances of all Alca 5™ tooling plate is ±.005”.  These tight tolerances can reduce or even eliminate machining passes.

Why You Should Consider Alca 5™ Instead of Mic 6 for Your Next Project

In addition to offering a superior anodizing response when compared to MIC 6®, PCP Aluminium’s Alca 5™ cast precision plate is also known for its exceptional dimensional stability.  Also, reduced internal stresses and production of completely uniform plates minimizes the risk of deformation in and after machining. As a result, costs that may typically be wasted on rough-milling, finishing, or re-works are reduced or even eliminated.  The 5% weight reduction mentioned previously does not affect the strength of Alca 5™ tooling plate.  The Brinell Hardness of Alca-5™ is 70HB.  Whereas the Brinell Hardness of Mic-6® is slightly less than Alca 5™, rating at 65 HB.  Because of the manufacturing process used to make each of the cast plates, Alca 5™ is available in larger widths.  The maximum width available in MIC 6® is 60.5”.  Although Alca 5™ cast plate can be produced up to 98.0” in width, the transport of such wide material results in a whole new set of challenges. Similarly to Mic 6®, all plates of Alca 5™ are coated with a labeled protective plastic film on both sides. This protective coating prevents surface damages to the precision milled surfaces of the plates while in transit.

Typical Applications for Alca 5™ Tooling Plate Include:

  • reference plates
  • fixtures
  • tools and jigs
  • prototype molds
  • foundry match
  • backing plates
  • dial plates
  • machine parts
  • construction equipment

Alca 5™ Cast Aluminum Plate Standard Sizes:

Thickness:  .250”-4.0”

Standard Widths:  48.5”/60.5”/72.5”/96.5”

Standard Lengths:  96.5”/120.5”/144.5”/289”

*The maximum plate size that PCP Aluminium can produce of Alca 5 is 98” x 289”.  However, this large plate presents logistical challenges.

Custom Sizes of Cast Tooling Plate Is Available

If you are in the market for Alca 5™ parts and you do not need a full plate, Howard Precision Metals has your back.  With more precision aluminum plate saws under one roof than any other distributor in the Midwest, we have the sawing capacity to tackle even the largest production sawing jobs.  Whether you need one piece or a truckload of cut pieces, let us cut your pieces.  Pro tip:  If you need just one piece of material in a hurry, try our Random Rack for a great deal.  What about odd sizes or larger than standard sizes?  Well, we have you covered there, too.  Because of the manufacturing process used to produce Alca 5™, we are able to order as little as one piece of a custom size.  Not only can we order one piece, but PCP will produce the plate within a reasonable lead time.  The next time you need cast tool and jig plate, no matter the size or piece count, trust the partnership of PCP Aluminum and Howard Precision Metals.

Cast Tool & Jig Plate, CT & J Plate, or Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate is known by Various Trade Names in the Industry:

  • Mic 6® a registered trademark of Arconic (Also sold by Howard Precision Metals)
  • Alca 5™ a registered trademark of PCP Aluminum (Sold by Howard Precision Metals)
  • Alpase K100-S® is a registered trademark of TST, Inc (Flatness not equal)
  • Vista Metals ATP 5™ is a registered trademark of Vista Metals Corp
  • Alimex ACP 5080™ is a registered trademark of Alimex, Germany.
  • Formodal 030™ is a registered trademark of Bikar Metal in Germany.

How to Purchase Alca-5™ Cast Tool & Jig Plate Aluminium

Howard Precision Metals has a vast inventory of aluminum products, including cast plates.  To inquire about purchase Alca 5™ cast precision plates, request a quote or call us today at 800.444.0311.  You can also read or download our Alca 5™ brochure in PDF format for more information.