Sheet Metal Fabrication Service

Highly Personalized Customized Service
High-precision Processing: Advanced Equipment Technology
Fast Delivery: Efficient Production Process
Cost advantage: Optimize Material Utilization
Professional Technical Team & Perfect After-sales Service System
Green Production & Sustainable Development Concept

Bend Factor 101: Quick Guide for Sheet Metal Shops (With Formulas)

Bend Factor.When bending sheet metal, the bend factor is key—it’s the extra length you need to account for to get the final part size right. Skip it, and your parts won’t fit. Here’s what you actually need to know, plus practical formulas to calculate it:

1. What Is a Bend Factor?Bend Factor 101

Bend Factor. It’s the “hidden” length lost when metal bends (due to stretching/compression at the bend). For example, If you bend a 100mm metal strip into a 90° angle (two 40mm sides), the bend factor fills the gap between 80mm (40+40) and the original 100mm.

2. 3 Key Things That Change It

Material type: Soft metals (aluminum) have smaller factors than hard ones (stainless steel).

Material thickness: Thicker metal = bigger bend factor (more stretching).

Bend radius: Tighter radius (sharper bend) = larger factor (more stress on the metal).

3. Practical Formulas to Calculate Bend Factor

Two common methods used in sheet metal shops:

A. K-Factor Method (Most Accurate for Precision Parts)

The K-factor represents how much the neutral axis (the layer of metal that doesn’t stretch/compress) shifts during bending.

Formula 1: Bend Factor = K × Thickness (T)

(K ranges from 0.3 to 0.5; use 0.4 for most mild steels)

Formula 2: Flat Pattern Length = Side A + Side B + (π × (Radius + 0.5T) × (Bend Angle/360°))

Example: Bend 2mm mild steel (K=0.4) into 90° with 3mm radius.

Flat length = 50mm + 50mm + (3.14 × (3 + 1) × (90/360)) = 100mm + 3.14mm = 103.14mm

B. Bend Deduction Method (Simpler for Basic Bends)

Bend deduction (BD) is the amount subtracted from the sum of sides to get the flat length.

Formula: Flat Pattern Length = Side A + Side B – Bend Deduction

(Bend deduction = 2 × (Radius + T) – Bend Factor; use supplier charts for precomputed BD values)

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use the same factor for all parts! A 2mm aluminum sheet (K≈0.35) needs a different factor than a 3mm stainless steel sheet (K≈0.45). Wrong factors = wasted material and delayed projects.

Final Note: Mastering these formulas keeps your parts accurate and your workflow smooth. Have a specific bending scenario you need to calculate? Leave it in the comments!

Read more about sheet metal optimization tips

more photos：https://fuleimetal.com/acf-product/industrial-grade-aluminum-library-book-cart/

more photos：https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jianan-gao-046621247_only-produce-high-quality-cartsa-cart-that-activity-7327986786268303361-LjXZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAD0jYPYB591p9bkLDHiTnVC5_s035NQCLZA

#SheetMetal #Bending #MaterialOptimization #SmartManufacturing #Bend Factor 101

(Ideal for fabricators, engineers, and Industry 4.0 professionals.)

Our ordering process

Determine Details And Quote

Manufacturing

Quality control

Delivery

More resources for sheet metal fabrication

Learn more about how sheet metal fabrication works and how to design the best parts for this technology.

FAQ's about sheet metal fabrication service

What types of sheet metal materials can be used in fabrication?

There are many types of materials available for sheet metal customization: cold rolled sheet (SPCC), hot rolled sheet (SPHC), electro-galvanized sheet (SECC), hot dip galvanized sheet (SGCC), stainless steel: such as SUS301 and SUS304, copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys: such as 6061, 6063 aluminum alloys, and other materials: including tinplate (SPTE).
We can also source many custom materials on request. Contact Violet@fuleimetal.com to discuss the options.

What sheet metal fabrication processes do you offer?

We provide the following processing services:
1. **Drawing design**.
2. **Laser cutting**, processing accuracy can reach ±0.1mm.
3. **Bending**.
4. **Forming**: Other forming processes besides bending, such as using molds on ordinary punching machines or other equipment to deform the workpiece, including stretching, rib pressing, convex bulge, etc.
5. **Welding forming: Commonly used welding methods include argon arc welding, butt welding, carbon dioxide welding, etc. The welding gap is generally 0.5-0.8mm, and the weld is uniform and smooth.
6. **Surface treatment**: electrostatic powder spraying, liquid paint, electroplating, surface oxidation, surface brushing
7. **Assembly**: Screws, rivets and other connection methods may be used.
8. **Packaging and shipment**.

How do you ensure the quality of fabricated sheet metal parts?

To ensure the quality of sheet metal parts, we strictly implement the process flow, establish a quality management system, and strengthen quality inspection: full inspection of the first piece, including inspection of the size, expansion, etc., sampling inspection of finished products, and comprehensive inspection of the appearance. If unqualified, timely adjustment and re-inspection.

What is the lead time for sheet metal fabrication projects?

The lead time for sheet metal fabrication projects varies based on multiple factors, such as project complexity, material availability, production capacity, and manufacturing processes.
In general, simple sheet metal fabrication projects may have a lead time of a few days to a week or so. Complex projects or those with special requirements can take two to four weeks or even longer. Prototype projects usually take 2-5 days if in-stock materials are used.