MadSci Network: Chemistry |
It kind of depends on what you mean by a “fold”. Metals can be characterized by a yeild strength, a point at which the strain in the material causes plastic (and hence irreversible) deformation. The tighter the radius of a fold the more strain. All metals can fold without deforming, but only at the cost of a very “open” fold, e.g. a wide radius at the bend. Some metals are better than others, spring steel or berylium copper might be able to hold a pretty tight fold without permanent deformation, but of course they would spring back as soon as you let go. I hope this answers the question you were asking. Larry
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