Minimum Bending Radius For Aluminum Sheet Metal

Per the aluminum association inc.

Minimum bending radius for aluminum sheet metal.

Sophia will adjust the radii drawn in order to retain the shape of the final product. 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. To keep it simple i also use a 2 mm inside radius. The bend radii listed are standard minimum if manufacturing for aircraft and aerospace applications.

It is possible to choose other bends if you require but additional lead time and tooling charges may apply. 5052 h32 aluminum bends in about the same way as mild steel. 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. Brittle metal such as aluminum generally requires a larger bend radius than ductile material like cold rolled steel.

Bend radii minimum bend sizes. At the minimum draw an internal radius of 0 5 sheet thickness in order to prevent problems with corners. 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.

The tool can calculate the required bending force for bending aluminum stainless steel mild steel and weldox or strenx high strength steels. It requires an inside bend radius of at least 6x the material thickness. The tables below show bend radii and minimum bend sizes for materials and tooling combinations stocked by protocase. 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.

It is most economical to use a single bend radius throughout the design but if necessary you can utilize multiple radii. 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. Aluminum where necessary 5052 h32 may be bent to 1t and 6061 t6 to 1 1 2t.

Let s say i have a 2 mm thick sheet and i want to bend it. The internal radius is determined by the tools in conjunction with the material properties. Use this document to choose values that are both manufacturable and meet your needs. Aluminum is typically thicker and stronger and requires more force to bend as well as consideration of edge conditions and punch nose radii.

For example 6061 t6 aluminum is very difficult to bend. 3003 h14 is extremely ductile.