mm parts made of aluminum?
 

Hello, I am new here and very interested in building the mechmate. could the metal parts that are bent be made from aluminum?, we have two cnc routers at work that could cut these parts. dont have access to laser or jet. thanks!

Can you weld alu?

You must realise that using alu instead of steel will give a machine that 3 times more flexible.

depends on the thickness of the aluminum and grade of aluminum... Im using half inch aluminum for my z axis doesnt flex at all... If you have a friend in the metal fabrication business im sure he can help you on the properties and metal types you can use.

Thanks everyone for your reply, It was just a thought, wasnt trying to change the great design Gearld has, it was what we use alot of at work and have access to. Went ahead ordered the parts in steel from Leonard. Can't wait to get started. Love this forum, alot of talented people from different nations here in one spot, cant beat that. Thanks Gearld for the forum and the great work you have done and still doing, looking forward to sharing some of my (hopefully) progress.

Yeah this is a great design... But also im sure gerald and the rest of the mm boys would understand that you gotta use whats readily available and what best suits you.

The SB gantry of aluminum is known to sag:
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11379

that is an older shopbot that they are talking about the newer ones are very ridge