Standard Bending Radius For Sheet Metal

The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications.

Standard bending radius for sheet metal.

It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii. Bending is one of the most common sheet metal fabrication operations. We go beyond the general rules of sheet metal bending as our customers want tight bend radii for sheet metal parts. Recommended inside bend radius for sheet metal parts should be equal to material thickness.

Recommended minimum bend radii for steel and aluminum. The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend. Also known as press braking flanging die bending folding and edging this method is used to deform a material to an angular shape. Usually the preferred distance between holes and a bend is 1 5 times the sheet thickness plus the bend radius 1 5t h.

Bend radii minimum bend sizes. 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. Crca inside bend radius equal to 0 65 times of sheet thickness is also enough. The material thickness will be measured in decimal form not by the gauge number.

This is done through the application of force on a workpiece. It is possible to choose other bends if you require but additional lead time and tooling charges may apply. 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. You will need to know your material thickness mt the bend angle b the inside radius ir and the k factor k.

Material thickness or 0 1575 in. Sheet metal bend radii if these guidelines are not followed more research and or some form of analysis may be requried. Table 1 preferred recommended 90 degree bend radii for various sheet metals. The force must exceed the material s yield strength to achieve a plastic deformation.

Specifing a bend radius from here will help prevent hair line cracks. Sheet metal bend brakes are used to bend material into the parts desired geometry. Regardless of what s called on the print this setup will produce an inside bend radius in the part much greater than that of the punch nose. As another example say you re working with 0 125 in thick material.

Keeping the bend radius consistent will also make parts more cost effective. But for harder materials e g. Supplying 3d models without considering these factors increases the chance. Use this document to choose values that are both manufacturable and meet your needs.