1. What is a Press Brake Tonnage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required bending force (tonnage) for press brake operations using the Cincinnati formula.

Purpose: It helps metal fabricators determine the appropriate press brake capacity needed for specific bending operations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Required tonnage (tons)
• \( L \) — Length of bend (inches)
• \( t \) — Material thickness (inches)
• \( S \) — Material tensile strength (psi)
• \( V \) — V-die opening (inches)

Explanation: The formula calculates the force needed to bend metal by considering material properties and tooling dimensions.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate tonnage calculation ensures proper machine selection, prevents overloading, and helps achieve quality bends.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bend length, material thickness, tensile strength (default 60,000 psi for mild steel), and V-die opening. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is thickness squared in the formula?
A: Thickness has a quadratic relationship with bending force because both width and height of the material affect resistance.

Q2: What's a typical tensile strength for mild steel?
A: Mild steel typically has 60,000 psi tensile strength, but this varies by alloy and hardness.

Q3: How do I determine V-die opening?
A: General rule is 6-8 times material thickness, but consult your tooling manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Q4: Does this formula work for all materials?
A: Yes, but you must adjust the tensile strength (S) value for different materials.

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, consider adding 20-30% to the calculated tonnage for safety margin and material variations.