Hi All-
In an effort to stamp out flex and subsequently reduced accuracy and strength, I’m looking at what might be enabling it. I think a decent source of flex are the plate steel side plates at the end of the gantry. I’m putting a longer X extrusion on right now, and I can definitely flex the whole assembly a bit.
For a while I’ve been batting around the idea of having new ones made out of thick plate aluminum - aluminum 6061 in 1/8 inch. Next week my favorite shop to do waterjet cutting online is running a sale where you get the same price for a couple of pieces as you would for a lot. Makes them pretty reasonable…even for low taper cutting.
Wondering if anyone else has tried this, or has any thoughts on this idea. I don’t think it’ll HURT…but I want to make sure it’s worth it. As I reassemble my machine with the new X extrusion, I’m looking for any way I can make it all rock solid.
Thanks!!
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I need to purchase an aluminum plate that is 19.625" x 24", that can support 350lbs.
This will hold pavers + possibly a person, next to a pool on top of an automatic cover. The automatic cover company sells lid/trays that are a 0.25" thick aluminum plate, but I can purchase one for 1/3 the cost. The lid they sell has sides, but I think a plain rectangle plate will do better and let us fit pavers closer. Do I need 0.25" thick or what size will do? Will 3003 0.25" suffice? Also I'm looking at mainly at 5052H32 0.25" aluminum now
I am also considering adding 1.5” folds on the two sides to add strength (similar to pictures), will that help?
Edit: Another idea is I need something to fill in 13" long 0.55" height space, perhaps something that would add stiffness/structure to it but minimizing cost. Here's an example:
https://i.stack.imgur.com/VPUe0.jpg
Here's some pictures of my current coping and stones that would be in one lid tray: https://i.stack.imgur.com/GA90A.jpg
Here's an idea of possible solution: https://i.stack.imgur.com/q9heO.jpg
I should add that it will be supported by a bracket at both sides for the width of the plate (the 19.625" edge -- 19.625" between brackets that are 3-4" wide).
Here's a picture of the lid from the automatic cover company to show brackets with the set spanning: