Making Brackets from sheet metal?

[LondonDutch]

I need to make a bracket to hold my numberplate below my new rear light setup.

The shape has a few 90 degree bends, and just two firm mounting points up and under the subframe. It's an easy shape to cut and bend, but what metal do I use that will resist metal fatigue on the bends and fixings, ...for a design a bit like this



Thanks

[arbakken]

how about mild steel? aluminum would also work

[JCPakBikes]

To hold any kind of passenger weight you need to use chrome molly. Other wise they may fold up under weight stress.
That being said the Exhaust are on there pretty firmly and they are amazingly rigid.

[LondonDutch]

Originally Posted by JCPakBikes

To hold any kind of passenger weight you need to use chrome molly. Other wise they may fold up under weight stress.
That being said the Exhaust are on there pretty firmly and they are amazingly rigid.

Thanks JC - although this bracket is just for a number plate, not the exhaust - so no passenger weight, just some thick perspex.

[muzzmann]

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

I need to make a bracket to hold my numberplate below my new rear light setup.

The shape has a few 90 degree bends, and just two firm mounting points up and under the subframe. It's an easy shape to cut and bend, but what metal do I use that will resist metal fatigue on the bends and fixings, ...for a design a bit like this



Thanks

Stainless steel ....

[dietrichpfeifer]

You could use just about anything if the thickness is right. I'm having a hard time judging the overall size of your part, but if the width of those arms is over 1" you could probably get away with 1/16" thick aluminum. I like aluminum because it doesn't rust and you can just clean it up and it looks OK without paint. The trick will be bending it. It will be hard to bend metal that would be thick enough to the sharp bends shown on your paper model. For instance if you have 1/16" thick aluminum you would probably tear the metal trying to bend it at square 90 degree bends. Just need to plan on small radius bends that's all.

[JCPakBikes]

on our FLEDA plate bracket we use a .08" or 2mm aluminum plate and we bend it 115º
we have also used a heavier 1/8" plate that the FLEDA base late is made of but that was overkill

[VTGPDUC]

I use galvanized hurricane brackets, cut and bent to shape. They come in all kinds of sizes and configurations.

[1duckyboy]

^ +1 Joist hangers or any galvanized bracing from a building supply works and is probably drilled for lightness. It comes in various shapes and thicknesses. Wipe it with vinegar before painting. Out here they're for earthquakes.

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Don't forget about heat. Adding heat to the metal makes it easier to bend