What aluminum alloy does BH use?

[Jim R.]

Easy question -- what aluminum alloy and hardness does BH use for top plates?  I know in recent years it's all been 0.80" or thicker for the larger panels.

Thanks,

Jim

[Paul Birkeland]

We generally receive 5052 for our panels, and my guess is that they are H32 or H34, though we do not request uniformity in this aspect.

-PB

[2wo]

Use the 5052, I used 6061 on my 300b amps and it was a pain in the ass...John

[Jim R.]

PB,

That's what I would have guessed.  Thankks for the confirmation.

John,I hear you that 6061 is tough stuff  That and 304 stainless is about all we used at my first job (except for huge copper buss bars), but whe had all the necessary tools to work with those, which only makes it a bit easier.  Can you imagine building a 24' long i-beam out of 8" thick 304 stainless?  Ok, how about 12 of them? :-)

Thanks,

Jim