Aluminum Sheet Metal Bending Radius

We recommend printing it out to keep as a reference.

Aluminum sheet metal bending radius.

Another factor to consider is that during the process of bending the metal hardens and strengthens by reason of the working effect. Aluminum minimum bend radii for 90 degree cold forming of sheet and plate. We go beyond the general rules of sheet metal bending as our customers want tight bend radii for sheet metal parts. In order to develop the flat pattern we add 457 to 1 625 and 2 625 to arrive at 4 707.

The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. Where necessary 5052 h32 may be bent to 1t and 6061 t6 to 1 1 2t. This free chart outlines what bend radii is required for the approximate thickness of aluminum. Steel american iron and steel institute.

Apart from alloy selection thickness and bend radius are also critical factors that must be considered. Factor 2 thickness and bend radius. Still if you want to avoid cracking abide by the minimum bend radius in 0 25 in thick 6061 t6 which is quite large see figure 3 and avoid bending acute angles. Radii for various thicknesses expressed in terms of thickness t.

The bend radius you select may not be available if the geometry of the part will not allow us to bend with the specific tooling required to achieve that radius. The table below shows the permitted bend radii for 90 o bending. If these guidelines are not followed more research and or some form of analysis may be requried. 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.

Say you get a print that says you need to bend a part to an external angle of 100 degrees that s an internal angle of just 80 degrees. It is possible to choose other bends if you require but additional lead time and tooling charges may apply. For most applications with stainless steel or aluminum you can get away with a zero radius bend on anything under 0 050 thick. Aluminum is typically thicker and stronger and requires more force to bend as well as consideration of edge conditions and punch nose radii.

Preferred recommended 90 degree bend radii for various sheet metals. When we calculate the bend allowance we find that it equals 457. If you re bending 0 020 thick material use a 0 020 radius. Sheet metal bend radii.

When working with aluminum over sheet metal several variables need to be considered. Per the aluminum association inc. The tables below show bend radii and minimum bend sizes for materials and tooling combinations stocked by protocase.