Are these really metal?

[Burgerman]

It says so on the PG Drives site, but looks plastic to me!

[rlnguy]

The joystick has a die cast metal case, (unsure of the alloy), with plastic top and bottom panels.
There are at least 2 versions I know of, that look the same-one has a larger screen-and, obviously, is larger.
Does that help?

[Burgerman]

Ithink so... Metal chassis.

[skylarjoehill.h]

It is indeed a metal case. I believe it is aluminum. I have one on both my M5 and M300.

If you refer to the spec sheet at http://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/getattachment/0d6f1488-a736-4811-82d8-2c3dbe533c42/r-net_brochure it states the following:

Here is the Technical Manual: http://sunrise.pgdrivestechnology.com/m ... 302-03.pdf

[Burgerman]

Thats where I read it. But it looks like plastic!

[ex-Gooserider]

If they say "Die-Cast" almost certainly either aluminum if you are lucky, or more likely 'pot-metal' - neither is particularly robust, arguably better than plastic, depending on what sort of abuse it is given...

Often they put a very heavy enamel or powder coat on die-cast bits, which can also have a very smooth finish, so the result ends up looking like plastic. I'd suspect that Ringuy is right in that you have a metal frame w/ plastic top and bottom panels, especially on the top as that is easier to make work with the LCD display and other switches etc...

ex-Gooserider

[rlnguy]

I used the term "die cast" as that is how they appear to be made-agreed, probably a zinc alloy, but I have done no testing to verify that.
They appear similar to the many diecast zinc alloy parts I have worked with over the many years.
They do not have the rough surface finish of sand casting, they could possibly be lost wax cast, but I doubt that.
I apologize if I confused anyone.

[expresso]

i have someone here in my building who has a F3 with that joystick - i will check one day this week and take a look - it does look like plastic but i didnt take a good look or feel -
looking at mines now - looks better than mines - not sure i like those paddles they added to change modes etc, - some like it better and easier to use the paddles - and others like the buttons

we dont have a choice either way - how ever they make it - we have to take - looking at that one - does make mine looks Old already -

[Twinpanther]

Took a look at my new F3. All the controller body is powder coated metal. By the looks of it I'd say cast aluminum.

The two areas marked with a red "X" are plastic (the front screen/border and that oval section on the bottom. The rest is metal.

[Burgerman]

Excellent and clear info! Thanks!

[rlnguy]

I just took one apart-the top and bottom are plastic, the sides/front/back are one piece, cast aluminum, or zinc alloy-"pot metal".
PG did an excellent job of hiding the joints between the 2 materials, though.

[Burgerman]

Excellent.