Minimum Bend Radius Sheet Metal Chart

In general parts should be designed with a minimum 1t bend radius radius matching the sheet thickness for the simplest setup and to ensure we can form the intended geometry.

Minimum bend radius sheet metal chart.

Being able to read a bend force chart is crucial for any brake press operator and sheet metal engineer. We recommend printing it out to keep as a reference. Bend radii and minimum bends are limited to certain values or ranges which are determined by the equipment and tooling combinations available to the manufacturer. When designing sheet metal parts and enclosures it is helpful to use these values as the basis for your design.

It requires an inside bend radius of at least 6x the material thickness. The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. For example 6061 t6 aluminum is very difficult to bend. Radius is the minimum producible inside radius for this material and not the recommended inside radius that you see on the bend allowance chart.

This free chart outlines what bend radii is required for the approximate thickness of aluminum. The gauge inside radius die opening and minimum flange length are all interconnected through different equations and relationships the air bend force. Since commercial sheet metal bending can be done with less concern for stresses caused during forming operation the radius can be near zero for thin sheet metal. Sheet metal bend radii if these guidelines are not followed more research and or some form of analysis may be requried.

Brittle metal such as aluminum generally requires a larger bend radius than ductile material like cold rolled steel. 3003 h14 is extremely ductile. The bend allowance formula takes into account the geometries of bending and the properties of your metal to determine the bend allowance. When working with aluminum over sheet metal several variables need to be considered.

It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii. Bend radii minimum bend sizes. In general mild steel and type 304 stainless sheet can be formed with sharp bends 1t without concern up to 1 8 thick. Specifing a bend radius from here will help prevent hair line cracks.

It s true that the harder and thicker the plate is the greater the minimum bend radius. The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend. Table 1 preferred recommended 90 degree bend radii for various sheet metals. You will need to know your material thickness mt the bend angle b the inside radius ir and the k factor k.

5052 h32 aluminum bends in about the same way as mild steel. Recommended minimum bend radii for steel and aluminum. Bend radii minimum bend sizes. The material thickness will be measured in decimal form not by the gauge number.

An air bend force chart or force chart breaks down a number of key components of sheet metal bending in an easy to reference format.