Thread: How do I attach an aluminum panel to aluminum tubing

Hi there. I'm new to metal working and the forum. I'm trying to figure out how to attach an aluminum panel to some aluminum tubes. I have a rectangle made out of 3/4" aluminum tubing and the two long sides have a flange on the inside. The aluminum panel sits inside of the rectangle on the flange (See pictures). I'm not sure how to best attach the aluminum to the flange. I would also prefer to have the aluminum panel sit flush with the top of the tubing as I will be resting something on both the tubing and the panel on one side. The space is 2.8 mm. Appreciate the help!

G'day Mark
Welcome to the forum. That sort of panel is just meant to sit there I think. If you really wanted it locked into place, I would suggest some superglue.

Michael

I'd use a 2mm strip of aluminum flat bar as a packer, then use black silicone both sides to glue it in place.
The 0.8mm will be enough room for the a thin layer of silicone either side of the flat bar.

Hello and thank you both for the reply. I will be attaching something to the aluminum panel so it will be a bit heavier and I want to make sure it stays in place. Will the black silicone/glue hold it together very securely? Thanks!

Originally Posted by mark234

Hello and thank you both for the reply. I will be attaching something to the aluminum panel so it will be a bit heavier and I want to make sure it stays in place. Will the black silicone/glue hold it together very securely? Thanks!

I reckon the black silicon will work a treat! It will not be able to removed unless you slice around the complete perimeter of the panel.

Something else that would work is Gorilla Glue. That sticks everthing to everything.
Black silicon may look nicer.

If using silicon make sure it's a neutral cure. Aluminum isn't so fond of the acetic in the acid cure type.

Sikaflex 227 is what I use for bonding jobs on older Landrovers which have aluminum panels.

Steve.

I would also use Sikaflex. I like the Sikaflex 11FC. It comes in black. Bunnings stock it.

Welcome to the forum Mark.

Originally Posted by marktwane

If you use sikaflex, don't run the bead all around, just put 1/2 dozen small blobs on the shelf and sit the sheet to that. Sikaflex sticks like, well, like glue, so if you ever want to separate the pieces it is easier with just a few blobs.

I agree, I've built truck pantecs with it and it's strong stuff.
That's why I suggested silicone, you could use a straight edge clamped to the aluminum tube after applying it to get it plush and it would easily ozz out the unwanted silicone. Then clean up with turps.

Silicone is a lot cheaper than Sikaflex too.

He's in Canada guys - they don't have Bunnings there (and possibly may not have Sikaflex either)

Michael

well spotted!

https://can.sika.com/content/canada/...tributors.html

Definitely not silicone IMHO, as an adhesive it's rubbish Sikaflex (polyurethane) all the way for my money. Sikaflex actually isn't that great, Simson or Bostic are much better quality, although it really shouldn't matter in this application.

Originally Posted by Karl Robbers

Definitely not silicone IMHO, as an adhesive it's rubbish Sikaflex (polyurethane) all the way for my money. Sikaflex actually isn't that great, Simson or Bostic are much better quality, although it really shouldn't matter in this application.

In this application, silicone will glue it together no problem with the surface area available. Try to get it off after setting, without a knife blade there's no hope.