[sdiy] Aluminium alloys

[Tim Parkhurst]

On Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 1:19 PM, Andre Majorel <aym-htnys at teaser.fr> wrote:
> What aluminium alloys do you use for your panels ?
>
> --
> André Majorel http://www.teaser.fr/~amajorel/
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Hi Andre,

5000 series (5051, 5052, etc.)  is softer and bends more easily
without cracking, and is generally spec'd for sheet metail parts. It
is generally not preferred for drilling or machining, since the softer
material can gum up high speed tools. However, for the amount of
drilling required for the average panel, this is not a problem.

6000 series (6061, 6063, etc.) is harder and is much preferred for
machining. It is more difficult to bend without cracking. Once again,
generally not a problem for most DIY work.

In summary, either one of these alloys is easy to get and should work
just fine. If you need to bend the panel, call for 5052 or another
5000 series if you can get it.


Tim (metal head) Servo
-- 
"Sire, the church of God is an anvil that has worn out many hammers."
- H.L. Hastings