Bending 6061-T6 1-1/2" Nom. diameter schedule 40 Pipe

[Stabville]

I'm bending 6061-T6 1-1/2" schedule 40 pipe (OD=1.9", Wall=.144) and i'm having trouble with the pipe snapping with or with out heating the bend. I am not sure about the bender i am using but it is the only one avaliable to me Here is a link to the bender i am using.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...oductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=628&R=628

If you have any tips on how to sucessfuly bend it i would highly appriciate it.

Thanks
Aaron Scholl

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You should probably be using a 1100 or 3003 series alloy.
6061 is not suitable for "tight" bends.


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[Stabville]

What would be the minimum bend length for 6061-t6?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Page 13 of the following article lists min recommended bends or various alloys & tempers of tube (not pipe) but should be similar. The radii listed are suprisingly small. Make sure your bending machine dies/rollers are well lubricated.

http://www.capral.com.au/product_info/aluminium.pdf

See also

http://www.galcit.caltech.edu/~tongc/html/data/elastic/Extruded_Alloy_6061.pdf

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[IFRs]

CorBlimeyLimey - The softer alloys are not suitable for many applications, like handrails for instance.

I consult for a company that makes handrails out of 1 1/2" sch 40 6061 pipe (which is the minimum size that meets the standard OSHA loading). They use a 4 1/2" inside radius. There is some flattening on the outside radius but it appears to be cosmetic only. They do not heat the pipe or the bending dies.