Bending Factor In Sheet Metal

K factor in sheet metal bending is a constant that is used to calculate sheet metal flat length.

Bending factor in sheet metal.

There s quite a few different bending methods available. Finding y factor for sheet metal bending. . Of all the mathematical constants used in precision sheet metal fabrication the k factor stands out as one of the most important.

Use the known k factor and the known inner bending radius to calculate the bending radius of the neutral line. For example if the value of k factor for given material thickness and bending machines is known. Y factor k factor x π 2. Therefore using k factor there is no need to calculate sheet metal flat length manually.

You ll need the k factor to find the y factor. Sheet metal bending methods design tips k factor bending methods. The k factor is the ratio of the neutral axis location t to the material thickness mt. When bending a workpiece it will naturally spring back a little after the load is lifted.

To calculate y factor you should multiply k factor by pi and divide the result by two. The arc length of the neutral line is the length of the sheet metal you have to leave for the bend. Calculate k factor bend allowance and y factor for sheet metal bending. It s a mathematical multiplier that allows you to locate the repositioned neutral axis of the bend after forming.

Sheet metal flat length can be calculated using cad softwares. After bending the sheet we need to do some measurements as shown in figure 2. From there we can calculate the k factor and the bend deduction. We will start by calculating the bend allowance.

Our design engineers typically use a factor of 0 4 for our air formed press brake parts. 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.

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. Each has their own advantages. It s the base value needed to calculate bend allowances and ultimately the bend deduction. How k and y factors affect metal bending.

When you bend sheet metal the neutral axis shifts toward the inside surface of the bend. Figure 2 illustrates the sheet that is bent with the bend angle of 90 degrees. The following equation relates the k factor to the bend allowance. The part of the material that bends without being compressed nor elongated.