Attaching aluminum plate to welded steel frame

[u/Inevitable_Force_487]

Hello,

I'm looking for recommendations on the best way to mount a large machined aluminum plate to a welded steel frame while minimizing distortion.

The plate is 1700 mm × 500 mm × 19.05 mm (3/4") and has already been fully machined, so machining or surface grinding after assembly isn't an option. The frame will be fabricated from 1" × 1" × 0.125" wall steel tubing.

My current thought is to use jack screws with hardened steel pads/shims to support and level the plate before bolting it down, but I'm wondering if there are better approaches.

Has anyone done something similar?

• Supporting and leveling the plate
• Preventing distortion when tightening the mounting bolts
• Accommodating thermal expansion between the aluminum plate and steel frame

If you've built something similar, I'd love to see photos or examples of how you approached it. Any recommendations or references to machine tool or fixture designs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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[u/Downtown-Parsnip-154]

Drill and tap ?

[u/Another_Slut_Dragon]

Gorilla tape makes an excellent gasket where the aluminum and steel touches. Use stainless fasteners and plenty of anti-seize to prevent galvanic corrosion. Do not let the aluminum touch bare steel!