Sheet Metal Guy Blog

30 Jul 2008 09:56:23 am
Calculating the k-factor
To my knowledge, there is not a formula for calculating the k-factor. Oh, I am certain somewhere some mathematical engineer has a formula. But it is most likely too complex for most of us to understand or be able to use. The k-factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of the material in the bend area. Thus, the neutral axis! The harder the material, the less compression there is on the inside of the bend. Therefore, more stretching on the outside and the neutral axis moves toward the inside of the bend. Softer materials allow more compression on the inside and the neutral axis remains closer to the center of the material thickness. Bend radius has a similar effect. The smaller the bend radius, the more need for compression and the neutral axis moves toward the inside of the bend. On a larger radius. the neutral axis remains near the center of the material thickness. The conclusion then is that the k-factor should always be a number greater than zero and less than or equal to .5 (50%). However, anyone who has worked with sheet metal knows you have to lie and cheat to get the right answer. This means the k-factor could be any number.
		Category : Sheet Metal | Posted By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [35] | Trackbacks [2926]