I am working on designing and building an enclosure for my CNC mill
I am trying to figure out the best metal for building the enclosure out of. I will be TIG welding and bending it.
The big question is whether to go with steel or aluminum.
The current choice is between 5052 aluminum 0.063" thick vs 1008/A366 cold rolled steel 16ga
5052 Aluminum sheet 0.063" thick
5052 H32 Aluminum Sheet | Coremark Metals
A366/1008 cold rolled steel 16ga
Cold Rolled Steel Sheet Supplier | Coremark Metals
The steel is the cheapest, but I will have to paint it and worry about rust
The aluminum will be lighter to work with and doesnt rust, but I would still paint it because of corrosion (and looks)
Anyone have experience building an enclosure/ maintaining one that can offer some insight?
Thanks!
I am trying to figure out the best metal for building the enclosure out of. I will be TIG welding and bending it.
The big question is whether to go with steel or aluminum.
The current choice is between 5052 aluminum 0.063" thick vs 1008/A366 cold rolled steel 16ga
5052 Aluminum sheet 0.063" thick
5052 H32 Aluminum Sheet | Coremark Metals
A366/1008 cold rolled steel 16ga
Cold Rolled Steel Sheet Supplier | Coremark Metals
The steel is the cheapest, but I will have to paint it and worry about rust
The aluminum will be lighter to work with and doesnt rust, but I would still paint it because of corrosion (and looks)
Anyone have experience building an enclosure/ maintaining one that can offer some insight?
Thanks!