1. What is Bend Length Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the arc length of a bend based on the bend angle and radius.

Purpose: It helps engineers, fabricators, and metalworkers calculate the developed length of curved sections in piping, sheet metal, and other bending applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Bend length (inches)
• \( θ \) — Bend angle (degrees)
• \( R \) — Bend radius (inches)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant (~3.14159)

Explanation: The formula converts the angle from degrees to radians, then multiplies by the radius to get the arc length.

3. Importance of Bend Length Calculation

Details: Accurate bend length calculations ensure proper material usage, correct fabrication dimensions, and precise bending operations in manufacturing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the bend angle (0-360°) and bend radius (must be positive). The calculator will compute the arc length of the bend.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between bend radius and bend length?
A: Bend radius is the distance from the center of curvature to the centerline of the material, while bend length is the actual arc length of the curved section.

Q2: How does bend angle affect the length?
A: The bend length increases linearly with the bend angle - a 90° bend will be exactly half as long as a 180° bend with the same radius.

Q3: What if I need the length in feet or meters?
A: Convert the result from inches to your desired unit (divide by 12 for feet, or by 39.37 for meters).

Q4: Does this work for all materials?
A: Yes, the formula is material-independent, but material properties may affect the achievable bend radius in practice.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For most applications, measuring to 1° and 0.01" is sufficient, but precision requirements depend on your specific application.