Minimum Bend Radius Sheet Metal Aluminum

It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii.

Minimum bend radius sheet metal aluminum.

This tool allows you to determine tonnage internal radius v die opening and minimum flange you just have to insert the characteristics of the sheet metal to be bent. The tool can calculate the required bending force for bending aluminum stainless steel mild steel and weldox or strenx high strength steels. Aluminum where necessary 5052 h32 may be bent to 1t and 6061 t6 to 1 1 2t. The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend.

Discover all our calculation tools in the calculators section of the top menu. In a previous bending basics article you mention a material s tensile reduction percentage used for calculating the minimum inside bend radius of various metals. Bend radii minimum bend sizes. The tables below show bend radii and minimum bend sizes for materials and tooling combinations stocked by protocase.

3003 h14 is extremely ductile. Use this document to choose values that are both manufacturable and meet your needs. Aluminum minimum bend radii for 90 degree cold forming of sheet and plate. You described a rough rule to find a steel s minimum bend radius.

For example 6061 t6 aluminum is very difficult to bend. We recommend 5052 h32 for aluminum chassis projects. In general mild steel and type 304 stainless sheet can be formed with sharp bends 1t without concern up to 1 8. It requires an inside bend radius of at least 6x the material thickness.

Per the aluminum association inc. The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. It is possible to choose other bends if you require but additional lead time and tooling charges may apply. Steel american iron and steel institute 1 see aisi s fabrication guidlines for cold bending thk 6061 t6.

We go beyond the general rules of sheet metal bending as our customers want tight bend radii for sheet metal parts. Radii for various thicknesses expressed in terms of thickness t. Aluminum is typically thicker and stronger and requires more force to bend as well as consideration of edge conditions and punch nose radii. The minimum bend radius for aluminum when working with aluminum over sheet metal several variables need to be considered.

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. 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.