Minimum Recommended Bend Radius Chart

Minimum Bend Radii

The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend. The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. 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. Grain Direction is formed in metal in the direction in which the sheet was rolled at the steel mill. Grain Direction is not to be confused with surface finishes made by sanding or other finishing operations. Grain direction is often specified on stainless steel in order to achieve minimum bend radius or to control spring back. The grain can be seen by looking at a new piece of sheet metal and noticing the direction of visible lines going from one end to the other.

Read More: Plate Rolling: Process, Basics, Tips, And 11 Key Points

• The minimum diameter is the smallest diameter you desire to roll your material into because it is a great driving factor for the size of the machine that will be appropriate for your workshop’s certain needs.
• There’s a rule of thumb to determine a steel’s minimum bend radius: Divide 50 by the material’s tensile reduction percentage as specified by your supplier. This value will vary by grade.
• If the steel has a tensile reduction value of 10 percent, divide 50 by that value: 50/10 = 5. Next, subtract 1 from that answer: 5 – 1 = 4. Now, multiply that answer by the plate thickness. If the material is 0.5 in. thick: 4 × 0.5 = 2. So in this case, the minimum inside bend radius is 2 times the material thickness.