Anyone got any good materials/CDT contacts?

[contink]

The reason for this question is that I have a thorny problem that requires proper access to materials but I have narry a clue as to where to get what I need. Does anyone have a decent Design tech lab/workshop and a member of staff that could help me identify the materials I need and more importantly where to source them?

 

To paraphrase I'm trying to find a mild steel that can be fashioned into a clip/holder for a container.

 

Thickness is about .5mm and width of between 1.5 and 3cm.. length is minimum of 20cm.

 

I've attached a couple of images of something similar to help but obviously it's already been manipulated and cut to a specific shape. I'm looking to do something similar.

 

 

Attempts to find what I need in B&Q, etc... are proving fruitless so I figured someone on here might have some contacts in the teaching staff or through technicians.

 

Any help very welcome.

[rhyds]

Your probably best off looking for a steel merchant and buying a big sheet of the stuff in, might cost a bit though.

 

Have you thought about using old PC cases? Or are they too thick?

[contink]

Your probably best off looking for a steel merchant and buying a big sheet of the stuff in, might cost a bit though.

 

Have you thought about using old PC cases? Or are they too thick?

 

Well being near Sheffield that shouldn't be a problem... The key thing is knowing what the actual material is and making sure I get the right stuff.

 

Beyond that I don't have a workshop that can handle big sheets of stuff so if I can find it pre-cut into strips I'm laughing... As with all things it's the information that's key and I'm awash with ignorance at the mo'.

[ICT_GUY]

Mild steel will need painting. Stainless might be better. What exactly do you need this to do, strength, weight price considerations? How many?

 

We have a great metal salvage yard near us. You pop along and they will get you what you want. Its where I get my lead for bullet casting.

 

I would recommend you do the same or pop along to your nearest tip. B&Q normally keep metal stock, ours does.

[contink]

Mild steel will need painting. Stainless might be better. What exactly do you need this to do, strength, weight price considerations? How many?

The idea is to hold a plastic container out from a printer and hold between 0.75 and 1.5kg of weight... More likely to be the mid-range though of about 1kg. It'll also be supported from below with a fitting that supports the main weight so in reality it won't be supporting all that weight itself.

 

I've done a rough diagram showing the clip in red and the support in light blue to indicate the general design and to give you a rough idea of the plan.

 

We have a great metal salvage yard near us. You pop along and they will get you what you want. Its where I get my lead for bullet casting.

 

I would recommend you do the same or pop along to your nearest tip. B&Q normally keep metal stock, ours does.

I've been to B&Q in the past to look at what they do have but unfortunately they only have metal stock that's 2mm in thickness and up which is too thick for my requirements.. I need something that's a lot easier to bend and preferably something that doesn't need to be cut length ways (so in strips rather than sheets).

diagram.pdf

Edited March 17, 2008 by contink
because I'm a numpty and forgot the attachment :P

[PEO]

Just had a chat with our head of DT, he said place a post on this websites forum and you will get some good responses stockton technology Edited March 17, 2008 by MrHappy

[contink]

Just had a chat with our head of DT, he said place a post on this websites forum and you will get some good responses http://www.stocktontechnology.co.uk/

 

Done... and many thanks (to you and your DT head)