In chapter 5 lesson 4, Jake introduces the fundamentals of sheet metal bending and the key terminology you need to understand before designing bent parts. He explains how bending is far more complex than just folding metal, it involves stretching, compression, and precise geometry that must be accounted for in your CAD design.

Jake walks through important terms like apex, bend angle, setback, flange length, material thickness, bend radius, and centerline, explaining how each one is measured and how it affects your final part. He also introduces the concept of the adjusted centerline and the K-factor, which describe how material stretches and thins during bending, critical for getting accurate flange lengths.

By understanding these terms, you’ll know exactly how to measure and define your bends so your designs come out right the first time. Jake also points to SendCutSend’s downloadable K-factor charts and sheet metal rules for Fusion and SolidWorks, along with a bend calculator to simplify setup and ensure accuracy.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key terms used in the bending process and what each means
• How to measure bend angles, setbacks, and flange lengths correctly
• Why bend radius and material thickness affect the final shape
• How stretching and compression occur during bending
• What the K-factor is and why it’s critical for accurate CAD designs
• How to use SendCutSend’s bend calculator and sheet metal rule files for precise results

Additional resources:
Bending Guidelines
Bend Calculator
Autodesk Fusion downloadable gauge tables
Solidworks downloadable gauge tables