Material Selection: Thin Flexible Metal Rod for 6K Cycle

AI Thread Summary
A user is seeking a thin, flexible metal rod that can bend 45 degrees on each side without springing back, capable of enduring 6,000 cycles. Initial attempts with a 0.7 mm galvanized steel rod failed to meet the cycle requirement. The discussion highlights the importance of ductility and malleability in selecting materials, as the rod will experience both tension and compression. Gold and silver are noted for their superior ductility and malleability, but cost may be prohibitive. Alternatives like pure iron, nickel, or tin are suggested for budget considerations. The user reports that pure copper and tin only lasted about 1,000 cycles and has shifted to using a goose neck design to reduce stress on the metal. A recommendation for a 300 series stainless steel is also made as a potential solution.
Robertcamping
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I am trying to find a thin flexible metal rod that does not have a spring back property and be able to bend 45 deg. per side for 6K cycle. I tried 0.7 mm galvanized steel rod but not getting the cycle needed. Think of paper clip that and be bend 6K times without breaking. Once bend to a shape, it stays put. Can anyone recommend me a material that will meet that requirement.
 
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"Flexible" is a broad term covering both maleable and and spring metals. Since you want it to stay put, you're looking for something that's ductile, capable of being deformed (tension) plastically without fracture, and maleable, capable of being deformed (compression) plastically without fracture. Since you specified a rod, it will be undergoing both tension and compression during it's 6k cycles.

Ductility and maleability are not synonomous, and some materials are good in one but poor in the other. Gold is both the most ductile and maleable of all metals, followed by silver.

I'd go for the gold! It's a pretty good conductor, too. If cost is an issue, try iron, nickel, or tin (pure forms, not the alloys).
 
mugaliens said:
"Flexible" is a broad term covering both maleable and and spring metals. Since you want it to stay put, you're looking for something that's ductile, capable of being deformed (tension) plastically without fracture, and maleable, capable of being deformed (compression) plastically without fracture. Since you specified a rod, it will be undergoing both tension and compression during it's 6k cycles.

Ductility and maleability are not synonomous, and some materials are good in one but poor in the other. Gold is both the most ductile and maleable of all metals, followed by silver.

I'd go for the gold! It's a pretty good conductor, too. If cost is an issue, try iron, nickel, or tin (pure forms, not the alloys).


Thanks for the suggesting. It makes sense. I tried using pure Copper, and Tin. It only lasted around 1K cycle. I decided to use a goose neck which is less stress on the metal which turned out OK.
 
I'd suggest trying a 300 series stainless steel.
 

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