 ArtMetalsocial networking for the metal arts |
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I really could use some help...............
Kimberli Matin -
Monday, July 17, 2006 - 2:24pm
Hello! I just received a commission to make a "frieze" that will be 110' long and span the length of the middle of a large pond. The frieze will sit on top of an aluminum baffle the civil engineer added to help control water in the pond. The design will be of wildlife depicting herons, cattails and aquatic plants. I am thinking of making this out of fourteen 4 x 8 sheets which will then be bolted to the aluminum, two bolts each (I am thinking 1/4" thick hot roll, cut out with a plasma CNC cutter). Does anyone have any thoughts about my plan to bolt the pieces to the aluminum? The landscape architect, who knows nothing about metals, originally wanted it welded to the aluminum baffle (ya I know there are ways to weld aluminum to steel, however I am looking for the EASIEST and SIMPLEST solution). Also........I am really wanting advice about the finish............what would be the best way to finish this so that it looks great? My powder coater says that it would only last about two years if I painted it with the beautiful bronze powder coating I was thinking about. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!!  Kimberlli, Sorry, I wasn't
Rich Waugh -
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 11:10am
Kimberlli, Sorry, I wasn't logged in on that previouis reply post. Is there some reason that you want to use steel for the frieze? The problems, as I noted, will be difficult to surmount. Bolting seems to me to be more difficult than welding, particularly for a retro-fit, on-site situation. Too many ways for things to go awry and have misfits that are a nightmare. Portable welding rigs, even MIG and TIG, are economical to rent. With heavy aluminum, a stick welder would probably do the job just fine, actually. Just a few things to consider.  water stable media
bpfink -
Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 1:42pm
www.artmetal.com/bpfink I know this will sound out of line as this is a metal forum but unless your doing copper or copper based metals or stainless steel the problems become pretty heavy when you get to longevity with water or moisture present. I would immediately be looking towards media that don't present the problems. Some are fiberglass or exterior plastics. A big subject here but also one I've dealt with for 40 years already. In addition coloring and all is no problem as super epoxy paints (such as used on battleships) come in a full range of colors and mixtures and with these you can even start to do some metalized coatings over it all. Contact me direct on email and I'll send a few illustrative and picture files that are too large for me to figure out how to do here. Using the media then becomes one either of fabrication or castings or both. Your choices. bpfink1@mac.com  I would recommend using 1/8
simmsie -
Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 5:16pm
I would recommend using 1/8 or 3/16" aluminum plate. Curving it somewhat to a large radius or S shape after cutting will serve to stiffen the sheet. Bolting the sheets in place will work fine and make installation easy as well(aluminum bolts). A good powdercoat should last 10 years at the very least. If your powdercoater thinks in terms of 2 years, find a good competant powdercoater. Check out Prismatic powders at: http://www.nicindustries.com/prismatic_powders.php The site will also link you to an applicator in your area. They have a great line of textured coatings. One I particularly like is "oiled bronze".  Are you suggesting a marine
don johnson -
Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 6:46pm
Are you suggesting a marine grade of aluminum? What if the aluminum was bronze anodized? Anodizing is somewhat of an insulator of some types of corrosion. It sounds like an impressive project. Don  Pond Frieze
Kimberli Matin -
Monday, February 12, 2007 - 12:31pm
......gosh........thank you for all the responses. It's pretty much been decided that I will make the frieze out of 3/16" aluminum sheets.........16 5x10 sheets........with 1/2" 90-degree bends at both sides for extra strength and to provide sides to bolt the sheets together.....and then it will be bolted to the existing frieze........stainless steel bolts........... I see no problems..... The
simmsie -
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 7:54pm
I see no problems..... web site: www.johnesimms.com Thank you! I am
Kimberli Matin -
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 2:21pm
Thank you! I am relieved...........others have said as much...........but not about the bird poop stains.........I forgot to include those in my original design vision. Your website is wonderful by the way......love your work. |
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ArtMetal
Kimberli, You're courting
Kimberli,
You're courting disaster if you try to bolt steel to aluminum, particularly in a wet environment. The devil is in the details, as it were. You will encounter electrolytic corrosion in very short order, due to the galvanic potential of the two metals. The aluminum will be dissolved and the steel corroded horribly in a matter of months.
There are some ways to minimize this, like insulated fasteners, etc, but I wouldn't be too sanguine about the prospects even if you do that. Better to use aluminum for the big panels. And try to use the same aloy as the existing stuff, or at least an alloy that has a low galvanic potential with the other one. Welding would certainly be my preferred method of installation.