VAF Forums - Where do I get a new EXTENDED panel for my RV-6 panel rebuild?

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankh (Post 256618)

Hmm...I found 2024-T3 more prone to cracking than 6061 T6...The latter is cheaper too.

The whole Zodiac I own was made from 6061 T6..If I make my extended range fuel tanks I will use 6061 T6

Yeah I know 2024 is Alclad but it makes very little difference in the real world from my experience.

Frank

...how you define higher grade....:)

But 2024-T3 has ---

25% higher yield strength

75% more tensile strength

and essentially equal elongation at 0.065 thickness

These are "real world" numbers.

...I say the numbers make the 2024-T3 "higher grade" and hence more expensive....:)

It should not crack while bending if you use the correct bend radius, which is about 3 times that of 6061-T6 - the penalty paid for higher strength properties.

Chart here for reference -

http://www.thesheetmetalshop.com/pdf...end_radius.pdf

But Van specified 6061-T6 for this application, so go with the plans and save some $$$...

However, just because the Zodiac was built with the weaker material, that is not a reccommendation to substitute where Vans specifies 2024-T3, even if it does bend "better"....:)