Good thickness for a frontpanel?

[intellijel]

I'm making a drum machine and I was wondering what a good minimum thickness for an aluminum front panel would be?

If I can get away with 2mm it will really help with the pcb layout (and getting the panel components to the right clearance height).

Is 2mm too thin? (e.g. too prone to denting/flex?)

 

[gyraf]

Depends on size..

 

[intellijel]

It's going to be about 18" wide and 22" deep.

I got out the calipers today to look at some other panels and I am thinking 3mm is the bare minimum I can get away with. Also It is probably a good idea for me to do smaller (supported) sections which will allow for better modularity in the design anyways.

 

[gyraf]

That's rather large, so yes, my guess is 3mm aluminium, if held by internal support also. Otherwize you'd probably need some 4-5mm for that big an area.

Jakob E.