This is an attempt to ask a more-focused version of a prior question (How best to join (in reversible manner) 5 20"x20"x1" panels (4 air filters, 1 plywood) into open-ended box?), that was closed with the suggestion to "focus on one problem only".
I have 5 20in x 20in x 1in panels of lightweight material. (You can think of it as identical to the foam-insulation boards, sold in nominal 8ft x 4ft x 1in panels – as one or more of the panels will actually be cut out of such a board.)
I'd like to join them along the edges to make a cube that's open on top. Of course something like tape is one sloppy option, but I'm hoping to find a superior option that holds them rigidly and tightly in relation to each other, but is reversible, so sides can be individually replaced.
(More specifics about the intended home-air-improvement application of this box are in the original closed question, but my focused need here is to solve the home-insulation-materials joining problem.)
Is there a solution meeting the above parameters?
Best Answer
Build a frame with tracks for the filters to slide into.
Use U channel for the tracks.
Get 4 60.75" pieces of 0.5x1x0.5 U channel and cut notches in the sides at 20.25" and 40.5"
Fold them into U shapes then join them together to make a frame.
Something like this Picasso.
the U channels can be connected together using rivets or welding or whatever.