Topic: project with aluminum - question about bending

[greenjeans]

I have a 1/4" piece of 5056 aluminum that I had a friend cut into a shape for me on a waterjet.
Basically, I'm trying to make a butterfly type steering wheel for a gravity/coffin racer.
All I need to do is put 2 45 degree bends in it.   I would need to heat with a torch ?    After bending,
would I need to reheat it ?

[70CB750]

Aluminum you can heat and bend and let sit and it will get hard again over few days.

Edit:  this particular Aluminum is non heat treatable:

http://aviationmetals.net/aluminum_sheet.php

You should be able to bend it cold.

[calj737]

To bend it cleanly at 45*, you need to use a break. Or, cut it and weld the ears back to it. Otherwise you will have a radiused bend (if you care about these aesthetics).

[70CB750]

I used before 2x4 clamped to the edge of the table as a poor man's break - the metal piece is between the 2x4 and table and the bend is made over the table's edge.

[FunJimmy]

You should use a metal break to get the best (preside) results.
Just take it to a sheet metal fabricator. Even heating and ventilation fabricators can do that. They'll bend it in minutes. Likely won't cost you anything either.

[greenjeans]

I have access to a torch and a brake.   Since that metal is "non-heat treatable"   I should just be able to put it in the brake and give it the bends ?      I was afraid it would crack or just break.

[70CB750]

You got a scrap piece to try it first?

[FunJimmy]

I have access to a torch and a brake.   Since that metal is "non-heat treatable"   I should just be able to put it in the brake and give it the bends ?      I was afraid it would crack or just break.

No heat required. It won't crack or brake.
Have fun.

[Steve F]

Some say it won't break, some say it will, but if it were me, given that your material is 1/4" thick, plan on a radius at the bend, twice the thickness to be safe.

Give me a break guys,
Use a BRAKE to bend material
too sharp a bend and it will BREAK

[Mantree]

I use to bend electric boxes out of aluminum all day long it is a soft metal and will be fine in a break

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[scottly]

Some say it won't break, some say it will, but if it were me, given that your material is 1/4" thick, plan on a radius at the bend, twice the thickness to be safe.

1+ Also, it will work harden when bending.

[FunJimmy]

You guys are over thinking this.
It isn't rocket science.

[754]

Bend it with 2x4s in the vise.. And yes sharp radius can break it, if you are bending 6061 you have to use 2.5-3 times thickness as the radius... Not the same as bending the thin box material..