Metal strength for enclosure

[rtarbell]

I am looking for a piece of steel or aluminum 15" by 15" to support approximately 30 pounds. Is there a "thickness" calculator, or approximation, to tell me how thick of a sheet of steel or aluminum I would need?

 

[AudioFreak]

Some more details of the application would be helpful. How will the weight be spread over the plate? How will the plate be supported?

 

[rtarbell]

Sorry about the lack of detail!

The main object to support is a 25 pound toroid transformer. The toroid transformer is about 12" in diameter. I am looking for a solid base to set it on. The plate would have four rubber feat beneath it.

--> I used to use a sheet of aluminum to support a similar sized toroid for a different project. After I disassembled the project, I realized that the aluminum sheet I used wasn't strong enough because there was a large indent in the metal where the toroid had been mounted.

 

[jcx]

how high do you plan on dropping it from?

 

[Steerpike]

I think it might be more practical to use thin metal, but reinforce it with "L"-shaped (as seen end on) cross members.

 

[NanoFrog]

Thin channel stock may also be used. It provides a little more rigidity, so it can support even more weight. A couple of strips spaced beneath the toroid should do.

It, as well as L stock, can lift toroid off the plate for ventilation.