Material for Scratchbuilt PC Frame

[aom]

I was wondering if 1/20 inch (1.27 mm) aluminum angles would be enough for a sturdy PC mid tower case frame. Finally started getting ready for my build.

[Scheer]

I have some 1/16" thick 1.5 x 1.5" aluminum angle, and you can bend short chucks with your bare hands, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you do a lot of bracing. I'd go with 1/8".

 

Also, look for architectural angle (left in picture below), it doesn't have the radii.

 

 

Another option would be aluminum extrusions:

 

 

 

IIRC this is 10mm from Mitsumi, and accepts 3mm nuts and bolts in the slots, I don't have any of it here at my house right now so I could be wrong. I'd step up a size if doing a larger case though...

[jiyang1018]

How about this?

[FranktheDinosaur]

 

How about this?

 

 

 

What is this called? Is it just rounded aluminum extrusions? 

[aom]

Unfortunately, for my design, the "rounded aluminum extrusions", will not work. 

And off topic, but which material is stronger? Acrylic, HDPE, or Polycarbonate?

I unfortunately do not have enough of a budget to make the case out of full aluminum

[FranktheDinosaur]

Unfortunately, for my design, the "rounded aluminum extrusions", will not work. 

And off topic, but which material is stronger? Acrylic, HDPE, or Polycarbonate?

I unfortunately do not have enough of a budget to make the case out of full aluminum

 

This might help? http://www.hydrosight.com/acrylic-vs-polycarbonate-a-quantitative-and-qualitative-comparison/

 

I think polycarbonate is easier to scratch but (technically) stronger and more expensive

[jiyang1018]

What is this called? Is it just rounded aluminum extrusions?

It is extruded with aluminum 6063-t5. A guy in my home town made this die and has it made in his own shop. So far I haven't got another place to get it.

[Bagmup]

How about this?

That's awesome.

[airdeano]

@jiyang1018

 

location to obtain that extrusion? it is blank or pre-drilled? 6063 is way overkill, but better than zero..

[jiyang1018]

@jiyang1018

location to obtain that extrusion? it is blank or pre-drilled? 6063 is way overkill, but better than zero..

This is from a online store in China. There should be no holes. If you are seriously interested, I could get you guys in touch about the details.