Hi,
I have a small diameter steel support bar that i have recreated out of aluminum. It works fine but flexes more than i would like. The piece is made from a 3 foot long by .3125 6061 T6 extruded round bar. I did have to bend a 20 degree angle in the bar as it is not straight. The bent area seems to be where it is flexing.

Would having the bar heat treated (post bending) add any rigidity to the bent area?

Would switching to a different grade (7075) be a better option for more rigidity?


Thanks
Mike

Hi,
I have a small diameter steel support bar that i have recreated out of aluminum. It works fine but flexes more than i would like. The piece is made from a 3 foot long by .3125 6061 T6 extruded round bar. I did have to bend a 20 degree angle in the bar as it is not straight. The bent area seems to be where it is flexing.

Would having the bar heat treated (post bending) add any rigidity to the bent area?

Would switching to a different grade (7075) be a better option for more rigidity?


Thanks
Mike

I havent had much luck heat treating aluminum. do you have room at the bend to weld on a gusset?