1. What is a Press Brake Tonnage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the required bending force (tonnage) for press brake operations based on material properties and tooling.

Purpose: It helps metal fabricators select the appropriate press brake 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)
• \( S \) — Material tensile strength (psi)
• \( V \) — V-die opening width (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 calculation 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 a typical tensile strength for mild steel?
A: Mild steel typically has a tensile strength of 60,000 psi (default value), but check your material specs for exact values.

Q2: How do I determine V-die opening?
A: General rule: V-opening = 8 × material thickness for 90° bends, but consult tooling charts for specific materials.

Q3: Does this account for air bending?
A: Yes, this formula is for air bending. Bottom bending requires about 4-5 times more force.

Q4: What if I'm using different materials?
A: Adjust the tensile strength value (e.g., 30,000 psi for aluminum, 80,000 psi for stainless steel).

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