Diamond Perforated Aluminum for Stators

[jpancier]

I couldn't find anything about this in the forums, but has anyone tried using diamond perforated aluminum sheet for stators:

McMaster-Carr

Seems like it might work ok, but would arcing be an issue? I donno, this is my first time trying to build 'stats, so i dont really wanna screw the pooch, but it might be worth an experiment.

[kavermei]

I think the holes are way too big. It'll make sound, but there will be an early rolloff of the treble.

Arcing issues will be the same as with round holes, there are sharp edges either way.

The punch will create a smoother and a rougher side, make sure the smoother side faces the diaphragm.

If it's the same price I'd go with something with smaller holes, 4mm max. The open area should ideally be around 45 to 60%.

HTH,
Kenneth

[CharlieM]

Your stat panels will have good efficiency and dynamics if you use round hole perf with holes not larger than 3/16" diameter and make the diaphragm to stator spacing 1/16" for a hybrid/woofer or double that spacing for a full range
panel. The reason you don't want larger holes is the electrical field diminishes quadratically with distance-- so with larger holes there would be very little field strength in the center of the holes; hence, lowered efficiency.

I think the 18 gauge steel 51% open perf with .141 holes from McMaster Carr would work well for you and you could solder your wire leads directly to the steel. Good luck with your project!

[jpancier]

Hmmm. I have access to some similar steel material that looks like its actually got a better ratio than that, but i could be wrong. I'll try and calculate it out. Its worth trying for me, as the material i have access to is about a dollar a square foot, which a much more affordable price.

Thanks guys. I'll post how it goes.

[geraldfryjr]

I thought of using similar material and it might work good if the holes aren't much more than 1/8" wide.
but as mentioned take note of the sharp edges and make sure they are away from the diagphram or it may (will) arc. jer

[CharlieM]

Originally Posted by jpancier

Hmmm. I have access to some similar steel material that looks like its actually got a better ratio than that, but i could be wrong. I'll try and calculate it out. Its worth trying for me, as the material i have access to is about a dollar a square foot, which a much more affordable price.

Thanks guys. I'll post how it goes.

Hey, $1/ft2 I could go for! Let us in on it if there's enough of it available.

[jpancier]

Lol. Its actually my college's metal shop. I'll ask my teach where he orders his metal. Most of it is slightly imperfect (scratches, dents) but i doubt thats an issue with the diamond perf material. If I find out anything useful I'll put it up here, but they do buy in fairly large quantities so it might not be feasable for anything other than a group buy....