Re: ATM stainless steel

[Donald Clement <clement@commquest.com>]

J. v. Gastel wrote:

>  If I want to use another kind of metal, which is better:
> aluminium or mild steel?

Jan,

If hardness or toughness isn't an issue then I would go with aluminum
for the following reasons:  Steel has roughly 3 times higher Young's
modulus but is 3 times as dense. So one can get the same
stiffness/weight from aluminum as steel by increasing the dimensions of
the aluminum part. Aluminum is cheaper and easier to find than SS.
Aluminum can be worked with some common woodworking tools such as a
bandsaw and belt sander. Don't need carbide tools when using metal
working tools, but a sharp HSS bit with a high rake is important.
Aluminum is inherently corrosion resistant and can be anodized for even
better resistance. SS inserts can be added to tapped holes where
assembly/disassembly is common.(I like to use SS keylocking threaded
inserts) 6061-T6 is a good common all-round alloy -- machines well and
can be welded.

Donald Clement
San Diego/Running Springs