Metal - Aluminum
0.035 inches
What is it
5251 grade Aluminum.
Orders using this material generally ship in around 2 weeks. Find out more.
Design notes
Aluminium alloy 5251 is a medium strength alloy possessing good ductility and therefore good formability. Aluminium alloy 5251 is known for work hardening rapidly and is readily weldable. It also possesses high corrosion resistance particularly in marine environments.
The fabrication process for metal is different from all our other materials - as such there are a few important points to note:
- We won't be able to apply Prime discount pricing to metal orders.
- Getting your metal pieces cut may take longer than standard orders. If you want to make designs on other materials as well, we would recommend placing the metal order separately.
- Please read things you must know for laser cutting metal before starting your project as there are some specific design requirements for this material.
Environmental info
Recyclable.
Adhesives, joints & fastenings
Aluminum is best connected with mechanical fastenings or welding.
A two part epoxy may be used to stick metal to other materials. For more info about gluing metal see this site


Tips from other designers
One thing that is lacking in your materials selection is anodized aluminium - I plan on making a number of control panels a dials with elaborate markings and a black anodized aluminium would be ideal for this application
Hi Fred, thanks for the comment!
We're hoping to add some additional metal options soon. Wouldn't it be better to anodize after the pieces are cut though?
Thanks for your prompt reply, Josh. If the metal is anodized an then the text is laser etched on to the aluminum the result is quite beautiful. If one picture is worth a thousand words - take a look at this: http://www.bignick.net/Morgan_Radio/Radio_8.htm
Besides, anodizing post process means more overhead, after getting the panel back from Ponoko, I'd have to find a local anodizing/plating shop to do the work , or send it away. Either way - cost per unit would be prohibitive. I belong to a to group of builders that like to build from scratch crystal and tube radios. If I could supply a limited number of beautifully laser etched dial plates for those hard to come by vernier dial drives, I might be able be able to make some spare change as as well - but only if I can keep the costs down.
I second the request for anodized aluminum. I want to make faceplates for my synthesizer modules via Ponoko. I've been using Front Panel Express (http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/). They're good but I'd prefer the flexibility of my own design program.
Thanks for seconding the request for anodized aluminum - we haven't found a solution for providing it yet, but will keep investigating!
I would really like to see metal as an alternative in European hubs
Yep! anodized aluminum please!
+1
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