On 2010-10-08, Jim Wilkins wrote:

[ ... ]

Usually 1/16"6061-T6 was the only material available when I fabricated
electronics enclosures. It cracks somewhat if bent sharp so I padded
the brake with another prebent strip.

Bend it with the "grain" of the aluminum (from rolling, I think)
parallel to the bend seam and it *will* crack unless you go to a rather
large bend radius.

Bend it with the grain at 90 degrees to the bend seam and you
can get away with less cracking for the same bend radius.

It seems to open up along the grain lines when it is being bent
-- on the outside of the bend where the metal is being stretched.

Enjoy,
DoN.

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