[sdiy] Front Panel Express Template question

[Tim Parkhurst]

On 8/8/05, harrybissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net> wrote:
> Mikael Mørup wrote:
> 
> > Could you recommend a brand of lubricate, because i just
> > bought a step dril
> 
> no. (I can't) but in a lot of cases you will not need it. SOFT aluminum
> is terrible to drill, no matter what. Anodized aluminum and harder
> alloys
> drill just fine.
> 
> (I'll be waiting for the lubricant answer as well :^)
> 
> H^) harry
> 
> 

I know I've said this before, but I thought it was worth repeating...
A quick reminder on aluminum: 5052 is a soft aluminum and is preferred
for bending, forming, and creating sheet metal enclosures. 6061 is a
harder grade and is the material of choice for most face panels. It is
easier to drill and punch, and does not 'gum up' the tools like a
softer grade will (you still should use a good lubricant made for
aluminum). 6061 or other 6000 series grades are difficult to bend
without cracking, but you don't need to do that on most face panels.
Also, from what I understand, 6061 and 6063 are easier to anodize.
6063 is an expensive grade, but has the best surface (as far as
apperance and strength). Generally though, stick with 6061 for face
panels. For those interested, more info can be found at
http://www.ez.org/aluminum.htm

and a LOT more info (maybe too much for most) at
http://www.matweb.com/index.asp?ckck=1


Cheers!

Tim (getting bent) Servo
-- 
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein