I don't know whether steel or what kind of steel is best. I'm looking
for springy, strong material which will bend in a small radius. Are
those (springy and small radius) contradicting qualities?

I will probably need flat bar instead of tubing because I doubt
tubing will bend as sharply as flat bar. I would like to be able to
bend the springy metal flat bar in about a 2 inch radius.

Maybe 1/16" inch steel flat bar will work better, I don't know. For
strength, it could be wider than 1 inch I suppose.

If there are products that I can pull such metal from, new or used,
those suggestions would be greatly appreciated also.

By the way, the only flat bar I am familiar with is like the aluminum
flat bar which comes from the local hardware store.

In short, here are my questions.
1. Are "springy" and "small radius" contradicting qualities?
2. What commonly available metal is closest to what I need?

If my questions are not clear, I will be happy to provide
clarification. Thank you in advance.