Choosing material for Electronic Chassis

[tgmccm]

Hello:

I have been searching for the best way to reproduce a missing chassis for an antique TV and this place seems like just the ticket. I have an original so I will be able to create an accurate drawing. Your software seems very feature-rich and easy to use.

The original chassis is 16 gauge plated steel. There are a number of holes both for ventilation and component mounting. I am wondering what is the best material to choose for this project. I am an Electrical Engineer and, although I have worked with metal in the past, I never had a reason to know what the metal's mechanical designation was. The chassis is approx 7.5"lx3w"x3"d. with spot welded corners.

1. What type of sheet steel should be chosen for this? (I plan on using 16 ga, like the original.)

2. What type of plating is best to both prevent rust and is solderable? Nickel? I noticed that you offer bright and satin. Is the bright like chrome and the satin like the finish on a Nickel coin?

One more question - is laser cutting of the larger holes preferable to drilling or punching? These holes are .5" and 1 5/32" diameter. I assume smaller screw holes will be drilled?

So many questions....

Thanks very much.

Tim

[Tech2]

In a non-critical application like you describe I would just go with the lowest cost steel. Any of the platings will resist rust. Laser, water jet and turret punch will all do the job so go with the lowest cost. I don't have solderability specs for finishes - you would have to google that but tin might be a good choice. Bright nickel is shiny but not as mirror like chrome. Satin is generally more matte than a coin.