Bending Factor In Sheet Metal

How k and y factors affect metal bending.

Bending factor in sheet metal.

When you bend sheet metal the neutral axis shifts toward the inside surface of the bend. I had a question on k factors for our 3 d modeling software. Finding y factor for sheet metal bending. The part of the material that bends without being compressed nor elongated.

For example if the value of k factor for given material thickness and bending machines is known. There s quite a few different bending methods available. . It s a mathematical multiplier that allows you to locate the repositioned neutral axis of the bend after forming.

Calculate k factor bend allowance and y factor for sheet metal bending. The following equation relates the k factor to the bend allowance. The k factor is the most important and elusive variable of bending because it varies both as a function of the material and according to parameters such as angle and tooling. After bending the sheet we need to do some measurements as shown in figure 2.

We will start by calculating the bend allowance. Sheet metal bending methods design tips k factor bending methods. Y factor k factor x π 2. 90 degrees bend angle.

K factor in sheet metal bending is a constant that is used to calculate sheet metal flat length. From there we can calculate the k factor and the bend deduction. To calculate y factor you should multiply k factor by pi and divide the result by two. The k factor is defined as the ratio between the material thickness t and the neutral fibre axis t i e.

K and y factors make metal bending more precise without damaging the material. Then use the neutral bending radius to calculate the arc length of the neutral line circumference of circle multiplied by the bend angle as fraction of 360deg. Figure 2 illustrates the sheet that is bent with the bend angle of 90 degrees. You ll need the k factor to find the y factor.

Of all the mathematical constants used in precision sheet metal fabrication the k factor stands out as one of the most important. The k factor is the ratio of the neutral axis location t to the material thickness mt. Use the known k factor and the known inner bending radius to calculate the bending radius of the neutral line. Sheet metal flat length can be calculated using cad softwares.

The following table is a rule of thumb. Therefore using k factor there is no need to calculate sheet metal flat length manually. Our design engineers typically use a factor of 0 4 for our air formed press brake parts. Each has their own advantages.