1. What is Brake Press Tonnage?

Brake press tonnage refers to the amount of force required to bend sheet metal using a press brake. Calculating the correct tonnage is essential for selecting the appropriate machine and tooling for a bending operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the brake press tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( Length \) — Length of the bend (inches)
• \( Thickness \) — Material thickness (inches)
• \( Strength \) — Material tensile strength (psi)
• \( Die Width \) — Width of the die opening (inches)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the relationship between material properties and bending parameters to determine the required force.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate tonnage calculation ensures proper machine selection, prevents machine overloading, and helps achieve quality bends without damaging the material or equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Ensure material strength is accurate for your specific material type (e.g., 60,000 psi for mild steel).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical die width to use?
A: A general rule is to use a die width 8 times the material thickness (e.g., for 1/4" material, use a 2" die).

Q2: How does material type affect tonnage?
A: Different materials have different tensile strengths. Stainless steel requires more tonnage than aluminum of the same thickness.

Q3: What safety factor should I add?
A: Many operators add a 20-30% safety factor to the calculated tonnage to account for variations in material properties.

Q4: Can I bend material thicker than my press brake's capacity?
A: No, exceeding your machine's tonnage capacity can damage the press brake and is unsafe.

Q5: How does bend length affect tonnage?
A: Tonnage increases linearly with bend length. Doubling the bend length doubles the required tonnage.