Bending AMPCO® 18
Process Conditions, Preheat Requirements, and Practical Guidance by Product Form
Bending AMPCO® 18 is feasible but requires different approaches depending on the product form.
For extruded material, bending to a wide radius can be performed cold, although preheating below 600°C will make the operation easier. Narrow radius bends require preheating.
For HCC (horizontal continuous cast) material, the surface must be machined before bending to remove all tiger marks. Bending over these marks will cause cracking. Preheating between 450°C and 600°C is required for HCC material.
For plate material, bending must be performed along the rolling direction, not perpendicular to it. Surface condition requirements are the same as for extruded material. If the surface is not clean, milling before bending is advised.
For all product forms, the bend should be taken slightly beyond the target radius to account for springback, which is a normal characteristic of this material as it is with steel and aluminum. After bending with preheat, parts should be cooled in still air or with a fan.