Sheet-metal bend allowance

Neutral-axis arc-length estimate for one bend, using radians for angle.

VERIFIED FORMULA RECORD

BA = θ(R + Kt)

Neutral-axis arc-length estimate for one bend, using radians for angle.

ManufacturingVerifiedReviewed 2026-08-09

Variables and units

BA = bend allowance (mm)

θ = bend angle (rad)

R = inside radius (mm)

K = approved K-factor

t = thickness (mm)

Conditions and limitations

  • K-factor is based on actual material/tooling/bend condition
  • Preliminary flat development only

Source: J. G. Bralla, Handbook of Manufacturing Processes; approved shop bend-test data controls final blanks.

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