[Amps] Aluminum alloys for panels?

[Bill Coleman]

On Nov 14, 2005, at 11:47 PM, Jim Kearman wrote:

>  need to make two panels and a baseplate for an amp. I could cut  
> down 19" panels but would like to find a cheaper way. Does anyone  
> know what alloy of aluminum is used for rack panels? I was thinking  
> it was 6061 but I can't find it in .125-inch thickness.

I would guess that most are 2024-T3. 0.125 inch ought to be plenty  
strong for many applications. Even better if you can find 2024  
Alclad. Seems like the 5000 series aluminum is typically softer than  
2024. If you aren't intending to weld to the sheet, would recommend  
2024 over 5000 or 3000 series alloys.

6061-T6 is probably the most common structural alloy. Most aluminum  
tubes are of this alloy.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901