1. What is a Pacific Press Brake Tonnage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required press brake tonnage based on material dimensions and properties.

Purpose: It helps metal fabricators determine the appropriate press brake force needed for 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: Proper tonnage estimation ensures successful bending operations, prevents machine overload, and helps select appropriate tooling.

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: What's the typical tensile strength for mild steel?
A: Mild steel typically has a tensile strength of about 60,000 psi (default value).

Q2: How do I determine V-die opening?
A: General rule is V = 8 × material thickness, but consult your tooling manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Q3: Does this formula work for all materials?
A: Yes, but you must input the correct tensile strength for your specific material (e.g., 30,000 psi for aluminum).

Q4: Why is thickness squared in the formula?
A: The bending force increases exponentially with material thickness, hence the squared relationship.

Q5: Should I add a safety factor?
A: It's recommended to calculate 20-30% higher than the result to account for material variations and tool wear.