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-   -   Can I bend a 3/8" aluminum bar? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=178512)

lr172 01-09-2020 10:08 PM

Can I bend a 3/8" aluminum bar?
 
I have an application where I would like a 3/8" aluminum rod with a 45* angle in it. Wondering if I can bend this with a proper radius. I have no experience bending any aluminum this thick and wonder if it will just crack instead of bend.

Has anyone done something like this?

Appreciate any input.

Larry

gyoung 01-09-2020 10:26 PM

Sure, as long as you follow the bend radius tables for the material and temper. It's typically called out as multiple of the material thickness. If it's 5-6T you could be looking at 1.5 - 2 inch radius.

agent4573 01-10-2020 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gyoung (Post 1398942)
Sure, as long as you follow the bend radius tables for the material and temper. It's typically called out as multiple of the material thickness. If it's 5-6T you could be looking at 1.5 - 2 inch radius.

If strength isn't a concern, you can remove the temper with a harbor freight weed torch and a sharpie. We did this a lot when we needed radiator tubing for the sand rails. Mark the tube in a bunch of spots with the sharpie, heat it with the torch at low /medium heat and when the sharpie changes from black to brown you've reached the right temp to remove the temper.

lr172 01-10-2020 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agent4573 (Post 1398946)
If strength isn't a concern, you can remove the temper with a harbor freight weed torch and a sharpie. We did this a lot when we needed radiator tubing for the sand rails. Mark the tube in a bunch of spots with the sharpie, heat it with the torch at low /medium heat and when the sharpie changes from black to brown you've reached the right temp to remove the temper.

It is bar stock. Basically a solid chunk of 3/8" aluminum rod, not a tube. I have bent tube before without problems.

annealing is a possibility, as the part doesn't need any significant strength.

Larry

Gusmax 01-10-2020 09:41 AM

Find somebody with a conduit bender, that will make a nice radius.

TS Flightlines 01-10-2020 12:34 PM

Bar stock? Eat Lunch first------and you'll probably break the bender handles trying to do it. 3/8 conduit bender----probably will have a much larger bend radius than what you are looking for. Call me

Tom

PaulvS 01-10-2020 03:44 PM

Test
 
I don't think it will crack if you bend it. I am not sure what is your application but I would do a test bend by putting the rod in a vise with some protection then slip a pipe over the end and bend it to the angle you want. It's only 3/8" round so it should bend easily.

Kyle Boatright 01-10-2020 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulvS (Post 1399047)
I don't think it will crack if you bend it. I am not sure what is your application but I would do a test bend by putting the rod in a vise with some protection then slip a pipe over the end and bend it to the angle you want. It's only 3/8" round so it should bend easily.

This. And I'd use some sort of steel rod or cylinder with the appropriate diameter/radius as a mandrel/form to bend the pipe around. That way, you'll get a desirable, even bend. I've had good luck clamping the piece and the bending form (?) in a vise and going from there.

If the application is structural at all, take a magnifying glass and carefully examine the outside of the bend.

jrs14855 01-10-2020 04:10 PM

Bending
 
Not a word about what aluminum alloy. An intelligent response is not possible without that information. The possibilities range from easy with 1100-O to unlikely with 7075. It would also be nice to know what the planned application is.

lr172 01-10-2020 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrs14855 (Post 1399053)
Not a word about what aluminum alloy. An intelligent response is not possible without that information. The possibilities range from easy with 1100-O to unlikely with 7075. It would also be nice to know what the planned application is.

Sorry, completely forgot to add that. It is a solid 3/8"extruded aluminum rod. It is 6061 with a T6511 temper. It will be used in a component to hold the seat belts when not in use on the 10.

Larry


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