[sdiy] Type of aluminium for front panels.

[Dave Kendall]

Thanks Tim.

Will be going with 20mm x 35mm angle braces for strength, to reinforce 
some 2mm panels I already have but had previously ruled out. Seems like 
they may be 5000s, as they are pretty easy to drill, and have quite a 
high bendosity quotient (technical term) ;-).
The braces will do double duty as a means to secure PCBs.

cheers, and thanks all.
Dave

On 13 Feb 2013, at 18:57, Tim Parkhurst wrote:

> Hi Dave,
>
> 5000 series alloy is more flexible, and would be my choice (or 3000 
> series) for a piece that needed lots of "foldy bits" (technical term). 
> The drawback is that these alloys are gummier and tend to clog up 
> drill bits and machine tools. You can still work with it, but you're 
> going to have to clean off the tools more often. 6000 series is harder 
> and more difficult to bend cleanly, but it is easier to drill and 
> machine.  For a flat panel, I'd probably prefer 6000 series, and have 
> room to put in some angle braces along the backside to reduce flexing 
> if you need them.
>
> Tim (not quite as foldy as I used to be) Servo
> ---
> "Sire, the church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers." 
> - H.L. Hastings
>
>
>
>  On Wed, Feb 13, 2013 at 5:20 AM, Dave Kendall 
> <davekendall at ntlworld.com> wrote:
>  Hi all.
>
>  Am looking to build 6U high front panels for a large modular. Panels 
> will be mounted on eurorack rails, thickness will be between 2.5 mm 
> and 3 mm, and minimum panel width will be 60 mm. 3 mm is a max, due to 
> the pots used (alpha-type).
>
>  Googling suggests 5052 and 6061 as being the strongest alloys. Due to 
> the relatively large size of the panels, I'm looking for good 
> resistance to flexing, as the banana jacks that will be used have a 
> relatively large cut-out of 9.2mm,  weakening the panel somewhat. Ease 
> of drilling is the next most important consideration.
>
>  Can anyone give any recommendations for a good alloy type and 
> hardness rating to go for?
>  Does the price vary a lot? The local sheet metal works does aerospace 
> work, so can probably source some good stuff.
>
>  cheers,
>  Dave
>
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