Fuek tank material thickness

[Bradrock]

I am sourcing aluminium locally for my fuel tanks. They use metric sizes over here, so I'd like advice on which size to go for.

The options are 0.047" (1.2mm) or 0.063" (1.6mm).

Will the thinner aluminium be just as safe as the 0.050" that is called for in the plans or should I upsize?

[Mark Goldberg]

I would think that .047 is OK. I am not Bob Barrows however. .050 is actually thicker than most planes use. The LSA (smaller tank) uses .040.

But do make sure the hardness and suitability of the NZ grade of aluminum is comparable to 5052H32 or my comments are not valid. 3003 would not be adequate. Mark

[Bradrock]

Thanks Mark. We have 5052 H32 over here - I think it's used in the marine world.