mkr5000 wrote:
Unless I should be looking at other numbers on aluminum than 3003 and
5052, the part that emachineshop.com is quoting me is over 50% less
using the 4130 steel. (compared to 5052)

3003 and 5052 are the best alloys to bend. If your part needs
to be folded into a box or something like that, then that
material is a good choice. 2024 is very hard to bend, but in a
pinch you can anneal it along the bend line and then bend it
before it gets hard again. But, I suspect a commercial shop
won't want to mess with it. Thin 6061 and the like can also be
bent, but the thicker material will start to crack at the outer
radius. But, 2024 and 6061 are much better to machine that the
5052 and 3003.

Jon