?? grain in plate/tubing - crossing ??

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I was surprised when I first found out that steel had a grain running through it.   I knew that 2x6s from the lumber yard did though.   I'm not sure all the time of the best shape to make a fish plate for a bottom of a frame or side of a tractors loader arms.   Anyway, my concern right now is some aluminum trailer ramps I need to fix right now.   The ramps are on a flatbed type trailer,  that is used to haul tractors and harvesting equipment or whatever else a farmer would drive up them.    I'm sure there oveloading these things.     There are ramps on each rear corner of trailer for wheels of  the object being loaded.   The ramps are about 4 foot long, 18" width.    A ramp kinda looks like a 4  foot ladder.   In other words, the sides are a formed C channel on each side running the length.   The rungs or crosspieces are about 17" long,  4" legs x .250  and 9" apart and look like angle iron, but are really angle aluminum formed or bent at a 90 degree w/ a larger radius than structural angle stock.   You follow me.   Well, here's my concern right now.    I need to have some new cross pieces broke or bent at a 90 to replace the damaged horizontal pieces.   The place bending it says go ahead cut your pieces to size for us to bend, but make it so we cross the grain on the bend.  Well that sounds right to me from there view.    But when I go to weld it to my runners of outer frame, my weld will be going w/ the grain if I do it like they request..    So the question is, whats worse or better?   Have them crack this stuff w/ the grain and me weld crossing it, or have them bend across it and me weld w/ it?    I know these ramps are being abused and overloaded.     The ramps originally were formed out of 5052H32 alum.   My distributor tells me they have 5052 but don't know about the H32 part.    Anyway, I need to make a decision on all this soon.   Most importantly I'm focused on  to getting this specific problem addressed, but am open to anyone commenting on any experiences, theories w/ materials while welding or braking any material.
Reply:A good primer on aluminum alloys and hardness ratings.http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...s/aluminfo.phpRogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Metal has no Grain. It is a crystalline structure.  The crystals can be distorted somewhat to allow it to bend.  You might checkout Metal in the wikkipedea.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerMetal has no Grain. It is a crystalline structure.  The crystals can be distorted somewhat to allow it to bend.  You might checkout Metal in the wikkipedea.  Mac
Reply:He could be referring to wrought iron too.  It has grain and will break like a green-stick fracture.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faggoting_(metalworking)But, he is also saying the place that will bend the aluminum says aluminum has grain.Dave J. Attached ImagesLast edited by MinnesotaDave; 06-12-2013 at 10:19 AM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tool MakerMetal has no Grain. It is a crystalline structure.  The crystals can be distorted somewhat to allow it to bend.  You might checkout Metal in the wikkipedea.  Mac
Reply:A_DAB_will_do, good post but is this "direction of rolling" you describe what the AWS test plate specs refer to? See http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?p=2656661I thought I understood it from the above thread, but now you've confused meXMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:It would be much more cost effective to just buy some alumium angle. Most of my customers would appreciate the cost difference.Hickory
Reply:Originally Posted by HickoryIt would be much more cost effective to just buy some alumium angle. Most of my customers would appreciate the cost difference.
Reply:Wow, these are some good replies.     A couple of you really put extra effort and info in this.   I'm going to print this off.    Customer doesnt want any changes in design, so buying angle is out.   thanks everyone.
Reply:Originally Posted by wireheadA_DAB_will_do, good post but is this "direction of rolling" you describe what the AWS test plate specs refer to? See http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?p=2656661I thought I understood it from the above thread, but now you've confused me
Reply:Very interesting . Sometimes my ignorance astounds me.  thanks for the mind bending.  Mac
Reply:Thank you for the clarification. Excellent postXMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:***"Think about a rolling pin your mom used to roll out cookie dough or biscuit dough."***DO NOT use this analogy in reference to women born after about 1960!Most of them would not recognize a rolling pin nor real biscuits!