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.
Published 2026-05-15Updated 2026-05-15press brake tonnage chart
Outline
- Explain tons per foot vs total tons and why bend length changes the machine load.
- Show how V-die opening affects tonnage and inside radius at the same time.
- Cover material multipliers for mild steel, stainless, and aluminum.
- Add floor checks: tooling load rating, off-center loading, crown, and chart assumptions.
Internal-link targets
FAQ
Is a tonnage chart enough to approve a job?
Planned answer: no. The article will explain why machine rating, tooling rating, material condition, and off-center load limits all have to be checked.