1. What is Press Brake Tonnage Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the required press brake force in tons needed to bend metal sheets.

Purpose: It helps metal fabricators select the appropriate press brake and avoid machine overload.

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 based on material properties and tooling dimensions.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate tonnage calculation ensures proper machine selection, prevents equipment damage, and achieves quality bends.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter material length, 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: What's a typical tensile strength for mild steel?
A: About 60,000 psi, but check your material specs as it varies by grade.

Q2: How do I determine V-die opening?
A: General rule: V-die opening = 8 × material thickness for mild steel.

Q3: Does this account for different bend angles?
A: This calculates for 90° bends. For other angles, multiply result by (angle/90).

Q4: What about different materials?
A: Change the tensile strength value (e.g., 30,000 psi for aluminum, 80,000 psi for stainless).

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, consider adding 10-20% to the calculated tonnage for safety margin.