Best Way to Score 0.040" Aluminum for Bending (Using Colex or Other Tool)?

[bpp]

Hey all,

I have a small job where someone wants 100 picture stands made from .040" aluminum, bent into an easel shape to hold up prints. I’ll include a photo so you can see what I mean.

I’m thinking of scoring the aluminum along the bend line to make folding easier and cleaner. I have a Colex, so I could run it on there, but I’m not sure if that’s the best way to do it — or what type of bit to use for scoring aluminum (if that’s even the right approach).

Open to:

Bit/tool suggestions if doing this on the Colex

Alternative tools (not too expensive) if there’s an easier or better way to score for bending


Appreciate any advice — just trying to get clean bends without cracking or going all the way through. Thanks!

 

[Johnny Best]

They make a sawblade for a track saw which puts a 45 degree plunge cut groove so you can easily bend the material. the track saw can easily be adjusted for depth so as not to cut through.

 

[Z SIGNS]

You bend 040 with a brake not scoring

 

[LarryB]

We make these all the time and use a brake. Never use the router.

 

[MikePro]

if you score .040, you risk it tearing open on a bend.
big fan of using a Vbit on aluminum composite, however, so that i'm only bending the untouched .040 layer on one side and it leaves room for the material to crush into itself on the backside.