Choosing Business Goals

4 Factors To Consider Prior To Bending An Aluminum Alloy

23 January 2019 by Wade Wheeler

Metal is one of the most popular materials used in industrial and manufacturing processes today. All types of metal can be found playing important roles in modern life. One of the most versatile metals is aluminum.

When combined with other metals, aluminum alloys are created. These alloys have the ability to fill many niches. If you are planning to bend your aluminum alloys, there are some factors you need to consider to help you determine which alloys are good candidates for bending.

1. Formability

The first thing you want to consider when selecting an aluminum alloy for bending is the overall formability of the alloy itself. Some alloys, like those containing manganese or magnesium, are very pliable.

This flexibility allows for easy mechanical manipulation of the alloy. Since bending relies heavily on mechanical manipulation, alloys with a high degree of formability are better suited to use in bending projects.

2. Thickness

Once you have identified the alloys that will be most pliable, you need to consider the overall thickness of the alloy sheet metals at your disposal. The thicker the sheet of aluminum alloy is, the more challenging it can be to obtain the proper specifications during a bending project.

You don't want to use a sheet of metal that is too thin either, as this could compromise product reliability over time. Check manufacturer specifications to help you determine the proper alloy thickness for your desired application.

3. Bend Radius

The bend radius of a particular sheet of aluminum alloy is closely related to the thickness of the sheet itself. A thicker sheet of metal will perform better when bed to a larger radius. A smaller bend radius paired with a thick sheet of metal could result in an overworking of the metal, leaving you with a brittle end product.

Check the bend radius requirements of your project, then select an alloy whose thickness can easily accommodate the specified bend radius without compromising performance and durability.

4. Elongation Percentage

It can be helpful to calculate the elongation percentage of an aluminum alloy before selecting that alloy for use in bending projects. The elongation percentage can be found by identifying the yield and tensile strength of the alloy.

The yield strength is the point at which a bent alloy can no longer be returned to its original form. The tensile strength is the total amount of force that can safely be applied to the alloy. The difference between the two is the elongation percentage. The higher the elongation percentage, the more pliable the alloy will be.

Contact a company, like Accubend Inc., for more help.

Share  

Search