[sdiy] Aluminum Panel Thickness

[Scott Gravenhorst]

One reason why aluminum panels are usually 1/8 (which is 
what I've used) is that aluminum is very soft and therefore
easy to dent and bend.  The thicker panel will resist this
more.  Technically, you could use sheet metal, but I think
that would look like crap in real hurry.  Even at 1/8 inch,
aluminum is easy to drill thru.  I've seen thinner metal used
for *enclosures*, but it's often made of steel.

IMHO, .05 inch is too thin.  That's less than half the thickness
of a standard aluminum panel.  For smaller stuff, it might be
OK, but in 19 inch wide, I think it will flex objectionably.

"vitreousflux" <vitreousflux at wwnet.net> wrote:
>What would be the 'minimum' thickness of an aluminum panel for a DIY synth
>panel?
>
>My panel size will be 19" rack width, x 14" (8 high). I don't need it
>painted as I'm covering the panel with a laminate anyway.
>
>Mouser has1/8" painted panels (expensive) but that thickness seems like
>overkill.
>
>www.onlinemetals.com has pricing that really varies.
>
>.05 thickness is available ins 24"x24" for $15.44. Is that way too thin?
>
>A mock-up draft of my SBM+ synth panel is at
>www.wwnet.net/~midibear/sbmplus.jpg
>
>Thanks
>
>
>Rob
>
>
>

-- Scott Gravenhorst | LegoManiac / Lego Trains / RIS 1.5
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