1. What is a Press Brake Die Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the required tonnage for press brake bending operations based on material properties and dimensions.

Purpose: It helps metal fabricators select the appropriate die size and machine capacity 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)
• \( S \) — Tensile strength (psi)
• \( V \) — V-die opening (inches)

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

3. Importance of Press Brake Die Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures safe operation, prevents machine overload, and helps achieve accurate bends without damaging the material.

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 a typical tensile strength for mild steel?
A: Mild steel typically has a tensile strength of about 60,000 psi (60 ksi).

Q2: How do I determine V-die opening?
A: General rule is V = 8 × material thickness, but this depends on material type and bend radius requirements.

Q3: What if my material isn't steel?
A: Input the correct tensile strength for your material (e.g., aluminum ~45,000 psi, stainless ~75,000 psi).

Q4: Does this account for air bending or bottoming?
A: This is for air bending. Bottoming typically requires 2-3 times more tonnage.

Q5: How does bend radius affect the calculation?
A: Bend radius is indirectly considered through the V-die opening selection.