Bending 8mm stainless rod

[VicParticipant @vic]

I need to put around a 30 degree bend in some 8mm round 303. Would you bend it hot or cold?

[VicParticipant @vic]

[Alan Waddington 2Participant @alanwaddington2]

Hot unless you have mechanical assistance

[John ReeseParticipant @johnreese12848]

The feasibility of making a bend depends a lot on the inside radius of the bend. The possibilities are folding (lap) at the inside of the bend or tearing at the outside of the bend when the inside radius is too small. If bending around a mandrel the required force to bend the metal will be the same whether bending a couple of degrees or a full circle. If using a V die the pressure to bend decreases as the width of the V die increases.

Bending cold depends on the strength of your arm and the length of lever you are using. If the material tends to tear at outside of the bend heating is absolutely necessary.

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