Choosing sheet metal thickness for a lightweight bracket
Hey, working on a small mounting bracket for a consumer electronics housing, cut and bent from stainless steel sheet (304 or 316). The part needs to stay under 200g, but it also has to hold a static load of ~25 N without noticeable deflection over a 60 mm span. I’m debating between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm thickness—0.8 mm meets weight targets better, but I’m unsure about stiffness and whether it will deform over time. Anyone with experience on similar parts? Am I pushing it too far with 0.8 mm?