On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 20:26:48 +0200, lists
<
stuart.winsor.lists@...> wrote:
> Sounds similar to the methods I use - 1/4"x1/4" Al along the "seams" and
> drill and tap 6BA (6BA tapping is 2.3mm so probably similar to M2.5) to
> screw the sheet to the square.
> With larger with heavier contents enclosures use larger "square" and
> screws (4BA - M3.5) or 1/2"x1/2"x1/8" Al angle.
> Sometimes, of course, it is neccessary to have individual flat panels but
> the joining method above works just as well for those.
Yes, Al angle is neat. You can rivet it for the connections that "stay".
Please do the world and yourself a favour and use M3 and M4 screws, not
M2.5 and 3.5 ;-)
Self tapping sheetmetal screws work very well here too, maybe even
stronger in the soft aluminum than machine thread.
Somehow, individual panels tend to look very much more "homebrewed" than
bent sides.
Maybe bonding would make that better.
I like to have the front and back panels of a case individual if possible,
because it is easier to make and change cutouts then.
If you need ventilation and have a punch press there are very very neat
punches for vent slots. otherwise you'll have to drill. There'd also be
punches for bending out feet... I really ought to get a press....
ST