What V-die opening should I start with?
A common starting point is 6T for thin sheet, 8T for medium sheet, and 10T for heavier plate, then verify with your tooling supplier.
Press brake
V-Die Opening Calculator
Choose a starting V-die opening factor and estimate produced inside radius and minimum flange for air bending.
mild steel16 ga0.0598 in1.519 mm
Static reference
Common V-die and tonnage combinations
| Gauge | Thickness | Recommended V | Inside radius estimate | 48 in bend tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ga | 0.0359 in / 0.912 mm | 0.2154 in | 0.0345 in | 13.76 tons |
| 16 ga | 0.0598 in / 1.519 mm | 0.3588 in | 0.0574 in | 22.92 tons |
| 12 ga | 0.1046 in / 2.657 mm | 0.6276 in | 0.1004 in | 40.1 tons |
| 10 ga | 0.1345 in / 3.416 mm | 1.076 in | 0.1722 in | 38.67 tons |
Interactive calculator
V-Die Opening Calculator
Recommended V opening0.3588 in
Opening factor6T
Estimated inside radius0.0574 in
Estimated minimum flange0.2512 in
FAQ
Specific checks for this calculator
Does a larger V opening reduce tonnage?
Yes. A wider V opening generally reduces required tonnage but increases inside radius and minimum flange requirements.