SendCutSend Education

Lesson 5.5

How to Calculate Bend Allowance and Bend Deduction

This series was filmed and edited by Keaton Bowlby

In chapter 5 lesson 5, Jake dives into the two key calculations behind sheet metal bending: bend allowance and bend deduction. These formulas explain how metal stretches and compresses during bending and help you predict the final size of your parts accurately.

Jake revisits terms from the previous lesson, like bend radius, K-factor, and material thickness, and shows how each affects your part’s elongation and final flange length. He explains that bend allowance measures the true length of the material along the bend after forming, while bend deduction determines how much to remove from your flat pattern so the finished part bends to the correct dimensions.

He emphasizes that errors in these calculations can lead to incorrect flange lengths, hole misalignment, and parts that don’t fit as intended. Understanding and applying these relationships ensures that your bent parts match your CAD model in the real world.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between bend allowance and bend deduction
  • How to calculate and apply both in your CAD designs
  • How bend radius, material thickness, and K-factor affect stretching
  • Why accurate calculations prevent short or misaligned flanges
  • How to predict real-world bend outcomes from your flat pattern
  • How to design with precision so your bent parts come out exactly as intended

Additional resources:
Bending Guidelines
Bend Calculator

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