1. What is a Pacific Press Tonnage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required press brake tonnage for bending operations on Pacific machines.

Purpose: Helps metal fabricators determine the appropriate press brake capacity needed for specific bending jobs.

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)
• \( S \) — 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 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: 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-opening = 8 × material thickness for mild steel.

Q3: Does this work for all press brakes?
A: This is specific to Pacific press brakes. Other machines may require different calculations.

Q4: What if my material is aluminum?
A: Use aluminum's tensile strength (typically 30,000-45,000 psi) in the calculation.

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