Minimum Bend Radius Steel Sheet Metal

The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend.

Minimum bend radius steel sheet metal.

Each and every bend in a piece of sheet metal has a certain minimum internal radius that needs to be taken into account when planning the design of a sheet metal form. Bends that are in the same plane need to be designed in the same direction to avoid part re orientation to save both money and time. It shall be equal to three times of sheet thickness plus bend radius. The tool can calculate the required bending force for bending aluminum stainless steel mild steel and weldox or strenx high strength steels.

The tables below show bend radii and minimum bend sizes for materials and tooling combinations stocked by protocase. A general guideline the minimum metal bend radius is approximately equal to the material thickness. Table 1 preferred recommended 90 degree bend radii for various sheet metals. Minimum hole diameter guidelines.

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. Aluminum 5052 or 3003. Recommended minimum bend radius for metal bending stainless steel and aluminum. The following tables showing the minimum bend radius allowable in air bending process for aluminum and steel or stainless steel.

Recommended minimum bend radii for steel and aluminum. Aluminum where necessary 5052 h32 may be bent to 1t and 6061 t6 to 1 1 2t. Discover all our calculation tools in the calculators section of the top menu. Sheet metal bend brakes are used to bend material into the parts desired geometry.

It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii. The minimum inside bend radius is even larger when bending with the grain. The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. Bend radii minimum bend sizes.

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 problem with bending too tightly. We go beyond the general rules of sheet metal bending as our customers want tight bend radii for sheet metal parts. Thick grade 350 and 400 may have a minimum bend radius of 2 5 times the material thickness when transverse bending while longitudinal bending may require a minimum bend radius that s 3 75 times the material thickness see figure 1.

Sheet metal bend radii if these guidelines are not followed more research and or some form of analysis may be requried. If a piece of material is bent too tightly problems can occur. In steel between 0 5 and 0 8 in. Use this document to choose values that are both manufacturable and meet your needs.

Minimum sheet metal flange bend length 3 x sheet thickness bend radius.