Accurately determine the sheet metal bend allowance for precise fabrication projects. This essential calculation helps you achieve perfect bends, reduce material waste, and ensure dimensional accuracy in metalworking. Optimize your bending process with our free online calculator for various materials and thicknesses and the correct K-factor.
Formula:
The bend allowance (BA) represents the length of the neutral axis of a bent piece of sheet metal. It is added to the flat pattern dimensions to achieve the desired final part dimensions.
Formula: BA = A * (π / 180) * (R + K * T)
- BA = Bend Allowance (in units consistent with R & T)
- A = Bend Angle (in degrees, the angle the material is bent through)
- R = Inside Bend Radius (in any consistent linear unit)
- K = K-Factor (dimensionless, typically 0.33 for soft metals, 0.5 for harder metals, often 0.44)
- T = Material Thickness (in any consistent linear unit)
- π = Pi (approximately 3.14159)