First of all, let me state that I know the answer, as far as repairing a bike goes, is NO! The question is purely out of curiosity and I thought this the best place to ask (I wandered in from 50+) since I don't hang out on metallurgy forums.

And I am not now and never will be a frame builder. I will never try this at home. Promise.

So: If one desires to bend or otherwise re-form an item made of aluminum alloy while retaining its strength, how is it done? I assume there are highly skilled and possibly industrial processes used. Is there anything besides basically melting it and then casting/forging/machining anew?

I know hydroforming is one high tech fabrication method. Industrial for sure.

Like I said, just wondering. Hey, I think of crap like this cooped up inside.