Hanging Metal Panels

[ChrisV]

Hi All,
We are doing a custom job for a resturant and need to hang 5 panels which will overlap each other by about 1'. It's more of an artistic piece then functional. I attached a .pdf 2D drawing. I am having a dilemma on deciding the gauge (20GA...to much weight>). of cold rolled I want to use as they will be sprayed with automotive paint.

The plan was to mount them to a 1" x 1/2" sub-frame because they need to remain as low-profile as possible. I would put an "L" bend at the top of each to rest on one of the crossbars in the sub-frame. Any idea on this would be appreciated.

[LA Weld]

I would just tack to the edge of the 1 x 1/2 frame. Fast and simple but I might not be seeing all of your issues you might have.
Laurence

[fun4now]

it looks like the drawings show a tab for attaching the panels to the frame. bolting with rubber washers seems like the simplest way to go about it. or are the tab's for mounting the frame ??
maybe tack a bolt to the back of the panel to slip threw a tab then add a nut and rubber washer on the underside to hold it in place. i suspect it will be painted before its attached, this would make it not possible to weld to the frame as its got to be painted before attaching?? yes???no?????

[walker]

Hey Chris, The plan looks good, and its good to see you are still busy. It's getting pretty darn slow out here.
As far as attaching the panels to the frame I would just make two bends half inch apart and hang the panels with no fasteners (picture an upside down J that has squared coners). That way you can just mount the frame on the wall then hang the panels on the ladder portion. If you are concerned about the panels coming off just put a screw or two into the top.
BTW where is this going?

[ChrisV]

Guys,
Thanks for the ideas and I apologize for the lack of details. The tabs(w/holes) are for securing the sub-frame to the block wall of an elevator shaft. Considering it's and "artistic " type piece I am trying to avoid fasteners that would be exposed on the face. Andy, I like the idea of the forming the metal to an upside down "J" but I am still worried about the panels rattling in high winds as it is an exterior application. I was thinking of welding on a "Z" type clip towards the lower half of the panel for more stability from rattling...? Also it will be painted before installed.

[Broccoli1]

Isn't there some serious 3m adhesive that will work?

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/showthread.php?t=13460&highlight=adhesive

[ChrisV]

Ed,
Funny you should mention 3M, the Rep was in Today and gave me a solution to eliminate any rattling. A double sided tape rated for exterior applications. A VHB tape in the same family of tapes that Boeing uses to mount certain parts on their wings!

[[email protected]]

3m Vhb

Hi Chris,

When I first read your post, I was going to recommend 3M VHB. It seems like it is perfect for your application. I use it all of the time for applications just like you are describing.

It holds like the devil. You just have to do the usual prep work one would follow for any adhesive procedure: i.e. clean.

Just be sure to have all your ducks in a row before you stick the panels down, however, because once they stick, they're stuck. Be sure to have some help with registration. I can't emphasize this enough.

We've stuck panels up with some good Dow Corning adhesives as well, but your application of bonding the sheets to the subframe makes a perfect case for the VHB.

It comes in a variety of mil thickness and widths. I would get a roll that is the same width as your tubing/bond surface.

Good luck.
Post pics.
Have fun.

[[email protected]]

hanging panels to walls

We "gift-wrapped" this whole lobby in stainless steel with no fasteners.
We used Dow Corning 795 structural adhesive. It allows for some movement during its open time and offers flexibility once cured to account for expansion/contraction.

We also did the "Tree" in the background, which was cut from 8:4 stock white oak and mounted to 1" thick cast resin panels.

Have fun with your project.

[ChrisV]

Chris,
Thanks and awesome work...checked out your website.