It can be annealed with the traditional soot and burn the soot off approach. However, it will work harden quickly and require re-annealing frequently if you are doing much shape.
I'm surprised that you cannot get 3003 where you are. To my knowledge it should be available most anywhere. Huntsville, Al is not exactly a mecca of metal suppliers but I can get 3003 from at least 3 sources. It's not usually in stock but I can get it in a day or so.
What are you making that you need .080 for? I have Kent's flow forming tools. I'm not terribly impressed with them. One ruptured and turned liquid while working .063 3003. I've had considerable luck using UHMW for dies in a 4X rivet gun by cutting off a chisel and drilling a hole into the UHMW then shaping whatever shape you want in the UHMW. VERY durable and tough stuff.
__________________
Kerry Pinkerton
|