Calculate the K-factor for sheet metal bending to predict the neutral axis position.
Bend Parameters
Calculation Results
Enter bend specs to calculate K-factor
About this calculator
Overview
The K-factor is a ratio that represents the location of the neutral axis (the line where the metal is neither stretched nor compressed) during a bend. It's essential for calculating the flat pattern length of sheet metal parts.
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Pro Tips
If you don't know the exact K-factor, 0.44 is a common industry default for steel and aluminum.
K-factor changes depending on the bend method (e.g., air bending vs. bottom bending).
Always perform a test bend on a scrap piece of the actual material to verify your K-factor.
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Fun Facts
"Most sheet metal K-factors fall between 0.3 and 0.5."
"If the K-factor is 0.5, it means the neutral axis is exactly in the center of the material thickness."
"Soft metals like aluminum often have lower K-factors than stiffer metals like stainless steel."
Formula: K = ( (180 × BA) / (π × Angle) - Ri ) / t
