What kind of metals can I use ?

[JPB]

The case I currently have is a server tower.

All of the panels are removable. The top, front, both sides. I am thinking of stripping it down and using something different.

My first idea was to use something along the lines of Diamond Plate. But not too sure on that front yet.

Basically, what else type of tins / metals can be used to redo the side ?

I am keeping this case, instead of just purchasing one, because...well , This case I have now could occupy a video card up to 18 inches in length. 🙂 With absolutely nothing in the way.

I would prefer *not* to use stainless.

My case is ALMOST identical to this one.

Except my case has the hard drive cage and the fan box removed. So you can see why it is very spacious.

You can see how the front bezel is removable from the two clips. Mine is the same.

And I love the space in this 🙂

 

[JPB]

Ideas ?

 

[Zepper]

You can get peel & stick materials to achieve different looks - diamond, machine turned, carbon fiber, etc. as long as one doesn't look too closely... ;-) aluminum sheet is readily available and easy to work but in the size of your side panels you'd probably have to find a way to strengthen it to reduce noise. Sometimes you can find it pre-anodized in different colors depending on the suppliers you have available locally. I don't imagine video cards will grow longer than the 10.5" or so that they have so far. No market, really, for longer as they won't fit in most mid-tower cases.

.bh.

 

[WoodButcher]

You can use any metal, you want. In fact why limit yourself to metal? wood, plastics, rubber and glass all are possibilities. Are you asking if you can mix metals? Yes, unless this will be immersed in water mixing metals is ok though I would not personally affix a sheet of copper to a sheet of alum. I have seen it done on this forum. Legoman has his posted in the gallery. What he did was decorative and I don't think mechanically attached. Using contact adhesive between the two will insulate them from each other but I've seen some adhesives that react with copper because of their own chemical compound. Look through the gallery for ideas, in my post you will find boxes in which I have combined all of the above. One thing I suggest though, if mechanically connecting Two disimilar metals like aluminum and steel use insulators. I used SS screws and rubber washers, not only does this protect the metal it helps to deaden sound.

 

[JPB]

I am kind of leaning towards Diamond Plate. Something like this here.

I think it would look good.

 

[WoodButcher]

Beware the shine!
I only used a little here and it jumped out to bite me. I made an attempt to antique it a little but didn't carry it to completion. I painted it w/ flat black then wiped it off w/ laquer thinner. Had I allowed it to dry and then wiped it down I would have gotten the desired result.

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
Beware the shine!
I only used a little here and it jumped out to bite me. I made an attempt to antique it a little but didn't carry it to completion. <I painted it w/ flat black then wiped it off w/ laquer thinner. Had I allowed it to dry and then wiped it down I would have gotten the desired result.

What does this actually cause ? Different texture or ? I like the look of your case alot though. Good work :thumbsup:

Oh, and how did you attach the Diamond Plate ?

 

[WoodButcher]

Just to leave black highlights around the raised portions and the nooks and crannies, darkens the look a little.

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: WoodButcher
Just to leave black highlights around the raised portions and the nooks and crannies, darkens the look a little.

I would like my finished product to look similar to this here.

What would be some good ways to attach this stuff ? I would prefer that what ever is used to attach it, not to be seen.

 

[herm0016]

if you get the thinnest of the diamond plate you should be able to glue it on if you have a flat area. if the area is curved at all you will have to fasten it mechanically. when gluing you should rough up both of the surfaces also. I really like the plexus ma1020 for an epoxy adhesive, but something similar would work well.

 

[Zepper]

At 1/16", the thinnest stuff on the linked page is nearly twice as thick as standard case metal - but IDK if that is just the thickness of the sheet or if it includes the height of the raised diamonds. Not sure how it would look applied to the surface of the existing panels. Maybe they would send you a sample to test with.

.bh.