aircraft aluminum tubing bend radius chart

There is some variation with regard to temper, but if you chose H111, H112 or O temper you will be fine. Not far behind 5052 comes this one, its big brother, and a classic alloy for marine applications with good corrosion resistance and weldability. When annealed, it beats the 3003 alloy in formability. You also get high strength when compared with other non-heat-treatable grades and outstanding corrosion behavior. You get high elongation (not as high as 3003, however) and a solid difference between yield and tensile strength. It also offers one of the biggest differences between yield and tensile strength. You get average strength, very good cold workability and high elongation. In most cases, this is probably the best alloy for bending. However, in the right temper, the bending of those alloys is also possible. I would avoid using alloys in the 2xxx family because they are so strong and therefore difficult to form.

Aluminium alloy 6063 is a good choice, for example, while 6082 is more difficult. The best series for forming – and thus for bending – are the alloy series 3xxx, 5xxx and in some cases 6xxx. When comparing alloys and tempers, lean toward those with the largest range between yield and tensile strength, because this indicates better forming ability.Īluminium alloy 3003 excellent for bending Investigating the percentage of elongation and the difference between yield strength and ultimate tensile strength will also help you make the right decision. As a result, thickness and bend radius are factors you need to consider. Aluminium alloys harden and become stronger during the bending process. Normally, higher strength means the aluminium alloy will be more difficult to bend, due to the tradeoff between strength and elongation – ductility. Let’s look at three factors: formability, thickness and bend radius, and the percentage of elongation. What points can help you identify the right alloy for bending? And what alloys are best for bending? Factors affecting bending of aluminium alloys My advice is that you get both the alloy and the temper right before choosing a bending method for your product design. You can also choose between different bending processes, such as roller bending, press bending, draw bending and stretch bending. It gives you design flexibility, integrated functions, good aesthetics and complex geometries. The bending process for aluminium is useful and cost-effective. This is what you need to know to choose the one that's right for you. Some aluminium alloys and tempers are better suited for bending than others. One of the most useful characteristics of aluminium is its formability, and one way to form the metal into the shape you want is through bending.

Aircraft aluminum tubing bend radius chart