Side window mod in perforated metal

[danrok]

I am replacing the acrylic window in my Lian-Li side panel and I am considering replacing it with a sheet of perforated stainless steel. The idea here is that before long I will have water cooling in this box and I want to at least reduce case fans. The perforations will allow extra passive air flow. The sheet I am looking at is 3mm thick with 3mm holes in it and is effectively 33% open. I don't want the panel to warp or dent which is why I am looking at stainless steel.

This is how the panel looks with the window removed. Any suggestions on alternative materials or ideas?

[weldzilla]

Well there is always expanded metal but, I kinda like your idea. Hey if you put it in and hate it. you can certainly replace it. But I like the concept.
So give it a go

WZ

[danrok]

I'm going to contact a company who can supply perforated sheets cut to size. I am hoping that stainless won't be too expensive. If it is I will use aluminium.

[weldzilla]

Aluminum would certainly be a lot lighter. As stainless is high density stuff and quite heavy

WZ

[Cerium]

I think aluminum could look coll unless u want it pollished. But aluminum has a cool texture thats why i like it. Althogh yoyud hav eto bee carfull not to push in on it or the aluminum might get bent in a little.

[danrok]

That's what I thought - perforated aluminium might be prone to denting.

I've just put clear acrylic back in this for now. The CPU is now liquid cooled. Once I have the rest of it liquid cooled I may put a perforated panel in so that I can hopefully do away with all the case fans.