Best way to Connect two thin plates 1

[FC2008]

Hey,
I have to connect two, maybe three thin(2-3mm) aluminium plates. The parts to be connected are about 200x200mm.
The parts will be moved around quite a lot.
I don't have to be able to put them apart with any ease, but it would be nice.

Any suggestions? Thank you

 

[eromlignod]

Flat head screws.
Spot welding.
Plug welding.
Adhesive.
Rivets.
Braze/solder.

Don
Kansas City

 

[MadMango]

The connection technique will depend on the function of the joined parts, so more info is required... the best way to connect for what purpose?

What loads are involved?
Vertical or horizontal orientation of joined parts?
Is connection in shear?
Etc, etc, etc....

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[ctopher]

c-clamp

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Jul 13, 2008)

 

[MotorVib]

There is also the factor of what your people can do and what tools are on hand?

With the able to put them apart bolting might be your best bet.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson

 

[KENAT]

In what configuration are they being connected too, stacked on each other, side by side, in an 'L' configuration side by side...

Your OP, while you tried to give some detail, is a bit like asking "how long is a piece of string of .063" diameter?".

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[drawoh]

FC2008,

Screws and PEM nuts, perhaps?

JHG

 

[GregLocock]

Duct tape.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[FC2008]

They will be placed one on top of the other. On the three plates I will "hang" a 600 gram weight so it isn't much.
Thanks!

 

[cbrn]

Hi,
adhesives?
I knew an entire machine made of Al sheet plates, all bonded one another, no screw, no rivet, no clamp, nothing, only adhesives. For maintenance, dismantling or whatsoever: a special solvent...
A bit extreme, but it gives the idea, huh? ;-)

Regards

 

[ajack1]

If you want to be really flash you could always try this.

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/technical/asauto.html

 

[drawoh]

cbrn,

There are always the Scoth VHB structural tapes. These are supposed to be quite strong, and when someone asks you what holds everything together, you can reply "Scotch tape".

It is too bad this does not meet FC2008's requirements.

JHG

 

[MadMango]

Why do you say the VHB tapes don't fit his requirements? He didn't specifically mention anything about joint stiffness. I've tinkered with the 3M VHB tapes in the past, very good stuff.

FC2008, why do the plates need to come apart? If for storage, maybe you can consider welding piano hinges between the plates.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[drawoh]

MadMango,

VHB tapes do not meet FC2008's disassembly requirements. There are lots of ways to make a joint stiff.

JHG

 

[Griz42]

I have used Dual Lock and it worked well. It is kind of like industrial velcro. I used the type 250 connected to type 400. They say not to use type 400 with type 400 because it "may be too strong potentially causing part damage or creating ergonomic issues." Attached is the data sheet from 3M.