Minimum Bending Radius For Aluminum Sheet Metal

The tables below show bend radii and minimum bend sizes for materials and tooling combinations stocked by protocase.

Minimum bending radius for aluminum sheet metal.

The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications. 3003 h14 is extremely ductile. The internal radius is determined by the tools in conjunction with the material properties. Sophia will adjust the radii drawn in order to retain the shape of the final product.

Aluminum where necessary 5052 h32 may be bent to 1t and 6061 t6 to 1 1 2t. Brittle metal such as aluminum generally requires a larger bend radius than ductile material like cold rolled steel. It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii. Radii for various thicknesses expressed in terms of thickness t.

To keep it simple i also use a 2 mm inside radius. Aluminum is typically thicker and stronger and requires more force to bend as well as consideration of edge conditions and punch nose radii. Use this document to choose values that are both manufacturable and meet your needs. Bend radii minimum bend sizes.

For example 6061 t6 aluminum is very difficult to bend. We go beyond the general rules of sheet metal bending as our customers want tight bend radii for sheet metal parts. Aluminum minimum bend radii for 90 degree cold forming of sheet and plate. 5052 h32 aluminum bends in about the same way as mild steel.

The tool can calculate the required bending force for bending aluminum stainless steel mild steel and weldox or strenx high strength steels. The minimum bend radius data shown in these charts is measured to the inside of the bend. The minimum bend radius for aluminum when working with aluminum over sheet metal several variables need to be considered. I can now see that the minimum flange length is 8 5 mm for such a bend so i have to keep it in mind when designing.

Let s say i have a 2 mm thick sheet and i want to bend it. Per the aluminum association inc. This tool allows you to determine tonnage internal radius v die opening and minimum flange you just have to insert the characteristics of the sheet metal to be bent. Steel american iron and steel institute 1 see aisi s fabrication guidlines for cold bending thk 6061 t6.

Discover all our calculation tools in the calculators section of the top menu. It requires an inside bend radius of at least 6x the material thickness.