Choosing the panel thickness is one of the first things to decide when creating a design with Kangaroo Extrusions. There are many options to choose from including, 6061-T6 aluminum, 5052-H32 aluminum, 304/316 stainless steel, acetal, ABS, (clear) polycarbonate, plywood, MDF, etc. Factors to consider include price, rigidity / strength, and material properties among others. Here are some highlights regarding each of these factors;
Price: If you are on a budget using .080 inch aluminum is a good choice. Aluminum offers good rigidity / strength for a reasonable price. As of May 2023, a 12” x 12” .080 5052-H32 laser cut aluminum panel cost approximately $40. Other lower cost options include 1/8” MDF, ABS, and Polycarbonate & wood.
Rigidity: If you want a lot of rigidity in your design, using 1/8” aluminum, stainless steel or another metal should provide more rigidity than other options.
Material: Aluminum is a common material used simply to match the material and coating of the extrusion. However plastic (ABS, acetal, polycarbonate, etc.) may be a good choice to lower cost, have a material already black (to match anodize) or clear panels are desired. Other metal options will provide a lot of rigidity. There are also more extravagant options such as carbon fiber and other composites, but are typically very expensive.