Published
How to back-calculate K-factor from a test bend
A shop-floor method for solving K-factor from a measured coupon bend, including the measurements that matter and the formula behind the reverse K-factor calculator.
Shop notes
BendMath Fabrication Articles
Practical notes for sheet metal layout, press brake setup, K-factor verification, gauge thickness, and calculator cross-checks.
Editorial calendar
Published articles and planned outlines
Published
Why your K-factor changes between air bending and bottoming
A practical explanation of why K-factor shifts between air bending, bottoming, and coining, with shop controls for radius, tonnage, and repeatability.
Published
Springback compensation for 304 vs 316 stainless
How to approach springback in 304 and 316 stainless press brake work, including overbend checks, tooling records, and when to verify with coupon bends.
Editorial scaffold
Air bending vs bottoming vs coining: cost, accuracy, and tooling wear
Editorial scaffold for comparing press brake forming methods by load, accuracy, marking, and tooling life.
Editorial scaffold
Bend allowance vs bend deduction: which formula to use when
Editorial scaffold for choosing bend allowance or bend deduction based on how the print dimensions the part.
Editorial scaffold
Cold rolled vs hot rolled: bending behavior and tolerance differences
Editorial scaffold for comparing cold rolled and hot rolled sheet behavior in press brake forming.
Editorial scaffold
Flat pattern math for multi-bend parts
Editorial scaffold for calculating developed length across multiple bends without double-counting bend allowance or bend deduction.
Editorial scaffold
Galvanized steel: bending without cracking the zinc coating
Editorial scaffold for forming galvanized sheet while controlling coating crack risk, radius, and bend direction.
Editorial scaffold
Inside radius selection for aluminum: 5052 vs 6061 vs 3003
Editorial scaffold for choosing aluminum bend radii across common alloys and tempers.
Editorial scaffold
Minimum bend radius vs material grain direction
Editorial scaffold for explaining why grain direction changes bendability, cracking risk, and minimum inside radius.
Editorial scaffold
Reading a press brake tonnage chart: what the numbers mean on the floor
Editorial scaffold for a shop-floor guide to press brake tonnage charts, machine limits, die width, and material multipliers.
Editorial scaffold
Press brake tonnage for stainless: the multiplier most charts miss
Editorial scaffold for stainless press brake tonnage multipliers and why mild-steel charts understate stainless loads.
Editorial scaffold
How sheet metal gauge actually maps to thickness (and why it varies)
Editorial scaffold for explaining nominal gauge tables, family-specific thicknesses, and why material certificates override generic charts.
Editorial scaffold
V-die selection: the 8x rule and when to break it
Editorial scaffold for choosing V-die openings from sheet thickness, flange length, inside radius, and tonnage constraints.
Editorial scaffold
How to verify a calculator: shop-floor test bend protocol
Editorial scaffold for validating bend calculators with a repeatable coupon test, measurement routine, and setup record.