Help choosing steel...

[HF]

Hi. I am searching for a low-carbon steel that will allow me to do the following. First, the dimensions of the steel bar I will be using are 1/4" by 1/4" by 48". I will be welding this bar to other pieces of steel, painting it, and then baking it in an oven at 500 degrees F for 15 minutes. I need to bake it two times to allow paint to cure. The problem I have experienced is that the steel tends deform. There are shear strains, which are causing bending and twisting of the steel bar. Could someone please recommend a steel that would stay straight through my process? Thank you very much.

 

I suspect that it is the thermal deformation of your welded structure that is causing the twisting of your 'sliver' of steel. I am not sure any steel could do what you are asking. To confirm it is the structure and not the 48 inch 'sliver' bake it at 500 F by itself. If it still does try a larger diameter, a longer bake time at lower temperature, or pre-annealing.

 

[bobn]

You might try a slower heating rate, or stress relieving it prior to painting (long time, low temp). Or just clamp it onto a heavy metal section during heating. Just remember to heat and cool slowly.