Laser or water cutting back panels?

[ak_47_boy]

I need a back panel with about 400 3/8" holes for RCA/BNC and a few vga, and dvi holes for a diy AV switch. Where is the best place to get this done? Cost?

 

[Magura]

It's sure cheaper to have it laser cut. For a panel there is no difference in quality between the two options. Tolerances are not an issue.


Magura

EDIT: This is naturally only true for thin sheet, as laser cutting holes of smaller diameter than the thickness of the sheet, is somewhat difficult.

 

[y8s]

www.rapidsheetmetal.com is a great resource. send them your requirements and they'll turn around a quote in a day or so.

I believe they use laser.

I expect it'll cost close to 100 USD for qty 1.

Otherwise, check your local yellow pages for a sheetmetal shop, but the price will likely be similar.

 

[jacco vermeulen]

Someone with a highdef plasma cutter could make a decent living overhere.

 

[Magura]

Someone with a highdef plasma cutter could make a decent living overhere.

Naah, I have acces to such a thingie...this one at least, don't really like aluminum, and in particular thin sheets don't look good after such treatment

Magura

 

[Magura]

www.rapidsheetmetal.com is a great resource. send them your requirements and they'll turn around a quote in a day or so.

I believe they use laser.

I expect it'll cost close to 100 USD for qty 1.

Otherwise, check your local yellow pages for a sheetmetal shop, but the price will likely be similar.

Rapidsheetmetal are very cheap when it comes to single units. I don't know if it's any different in your neck of the woods, but here they will not even lift a foot to kick your rear for 100USD, when talking laser cutting (or just about anything else for that kind of matter).

Magura

 

[OzMikeH]

Don't underestimate the weight of all of those connectors and the loss of strength from that many holes. I'd be using 1.8mm steel.

It will be very difficult to work on if it is smaller than a mixing desk, have you considered many smaller, identical panels in a eurocard crate?