The K Factor For Bending Sheet Metal

The k factor is the ratio of the neutral axis location t to the material thickness mt.

The k factor for bending sheet metal. Our design engineers typically use a factor of 0 4 for our air formed press brake parts. You could say it s the roux of the precision bending gumbo. Of all the mathematical constants in precision sheet metal fabrication the k factor stands out. K factor in sheet metal bending is a constant used to calculate sheet metal flat length or flat pattern.

Types of metal bends and forming methods bending and bend formation are important factors when it comes to calculating bend deduction which is the total elongation for a particular type of bend. I had a question on k factors for our 3 d modeling software. K factor plays a key role in understanding the limits a material can handle during sheet metal bending. In sheet metal design the k factor is used to calculate how much sheet metal one needs to leave for the bend in order to achieve particular final dimensions especially for between the straight sides next the bend.

When you bend sheet metal the neutral axis shifts toward the inside surface of the bend. If you gain the correct k factor your precise bending will be ensured. Mathematically k factor value is equal to the ratio of position of neutral axis and sheet thickness. Also known as press braking flanging die bending folding and edging this method is used to deform a material to an angular shape.

In this article we will discuss sheetmetal bend deduction bend allowance k factor y factor and sheet metal flat pattern calculations. Calculate k factor bend allowance and y factor for sheet metal bending 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. Sheet metal bending methods design tips k factor bending is one of the most common sheet metal fabrication operations. K factor is the most significant among the math constants in sheet metal fabs.

Use the known k factor and the known inner bending radius to calculate the bending radius of the neutral line. Get the roux right and you re on your way to making a tasty meal. It s the base value needed to calculate bend allowances ba and ultimately the bend deduction bd.