Perforated Metal...

[JayG30]

So basically I had this old, rather ugly, case lying around. After stripping it down and taking a dremel to it for a bit I started to actually find the case rather usable and the shell to have everything worthy of a decent case. Only problem is the fascia of the case is absolute rubbish. I had to come up with a tricky way of even getting some airflow to a 80mm front fan. Now I have plenty of room to place two 120mm fans on the front, but the fascia (or front cover) would take a LOT of work to allow airflow to these fans.

So I got the idea of why not trying something along the lines of an Antec 1200/900/300, some of the Lian-Li cases, and similar. Perforated metal (I believe that is the right name) in the front! I figure it shouldn't be to hard to work with. Problem is I haven't really seen anyone working with any of this material while modding, let alone designing and constructing there own case fascia. So I'm trying to figure out where I could purchase material like this. I have a feeling this isn't sold in sheets any place locally and I'll have to purchase online. But perhaps someone else HAS worked with this stuff and has some info. Things like the size and style of the perforations that work best, where to purchase for a good price, any B&M stores that would sell this stuff, or anyone that has used it and wants to show me some pictures I'm interested. :)

[T_Flight]

"modders Mesh" is what you seek. Do a search. There are alot of different types. Some has round holes, some have octagonal, and some criss-cross. :)

Happy New Year!

[JayG30]

Thanks. Figured someone would have this for sale.

I have to say though that it "seems" like someone is making a quick buck with this modders mesh. It's nothing more than perforated metal, google it. There are quite a few national distributors for this stuff, tons of pattern styles, and the price is pennies per inch of this stuff. I guess buying from a guy that is a known "modder" makes it better or something though. :p:

A question about this modders mesh. It looks like it is a bit thin, especially compared to what I see on a lian-li. Anyone know if it is thinner? It looks like this stuff could be bent with your hands or dented if hit to hard. I was hoping for something a bit more structurally sound.

[T_Flight]

Might wanna try McMaster Carr...they have everything.

[JayG30]

Might wanna try McMaster Carr...they have everything.

Very true. I'll do some digging in the next few days if I can.

Thanks and Happy New Year. :)

[Fredthered]

You haven't mentioned your location, Jay, but I get the impression you're 'across the pond'.
I don't think your local Scrapyards, are quite so 'local' as they are here (in the UK) ;) but I was wondering if you could find something suitable from something else, which could be 'adapted' ?
Cheers
Fredthered

[hutkikz]

I recently used a one of those mesh office waste baskets as a source for this type of material.(little diamonds instead of round holes)
$8 for approx. 1' x 2' was by far cheaper than anything I could find elsewhere

[widefault]

I've been buying from these guys on ebay (http://stores.ebay.com/Online-Metal-Supply). Not sure how they compare to McMaster Carr, but I'm happy with cost and the material compared to what I see for Modder's Mesh or the AC Ryan stuff.

Last purchase was two 2'x2' pieces for around $35 shipped. Gets cheaper with bigger and multiple pieces since shipping costs don't go up much.

[TiTON]

I have done a lot of modding, and I always found sheets of performated metals to cost way to much. Like widefault says.. 2'x2' for $30.

If I need perforated metal, I typically go to Ikea or Target and look for waste basket, vents, grills or other things i can hack. Its a little work, but saves alot of mod money to use on other overprice parts like black socket head screws :P

- Ton

[widefault]

Actually, my last was TWO pieces of 2'x2' for $35 shipped, quite a bit better than the mainstream sources. The AC Ryan is $30 for ~20"x20" in aluminum, $20 for the same size steel. Modders Mesh is even worse. Looked at McMaster and they're the same or worse($60 for a 3'x40" piece of the same aluminum).

I wish I could find pieces large enough from other sources, but my next project will use two full 2'x2' pieces without modification. Reminds me, time to buy more material.