Manufacturing services · Chapter D · Method 23

Sheet metal bending

A press brake forces a punch into a V-die to bend sheet to an exact angle. Back gauges position each bend in sequence.

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CNC press brake with an automatic tool changer. Representative process photo · GaspariniMB · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

How it works

Sheet metal bending, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how sheet metal bending works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

Sequence

Plan bend order so flanges clear the tooling.

STEP 02

Gauge

Back gauge positions the sheet.

STEP 03

Bend

Punch forms the sheet into the die.

STEP 04

Check

Measure angle; adjust for springback.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Bend Angle±1°Standard

Edge To Bend±0.38 mmStandard

Bend To Hole±0.38 mmStandard

Radius≥ material thicknessInside radius

Materials	Mild steel, stainless, aluminium, galvanised steel and copper alloys.
Finishes	Tool marks possible on soft or polished sheet; protective film helps.
Design guidance	Minimum flange length about 4× thickness. Keep bend radii consistent to reduce tool changes. Leave clearance for the tool on closed shapes.
Best suited to	Brackets, channels, trays, enclosures and frames.
Watch-outs	Springback varies by alloy; very short flanges are hard to form.

Other methods in Sheet & tube

Previous: Plasma cutting Next: Punching

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.