1. What is Brake Press Tonnage?

Brake press tonnage refers to the amount of force required to bend a metal sheet of specific dimensions and material properties. Calculating the correct tonnage is essential for selecting the appropriate press brake machine and achieving quality bends.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the brake press tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Length} \) — Length of bend (inches)
• \( \text{Thickness} \) — Material thickness (inches)
• \( \text{Strength} \) — Material tensile strength (ksi)
• \( \text{Width} \) — Die opening width (inches)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the relationship between material properties and bending force, with thickness having the greatest impact (squared term).

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate tonnage calculation ensures proper machine selection, prevents machine overload, and helps achieve consistent bend quality while minimizing tool wear.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all dimensions in inches and material strength in ksi. Ensure all values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for press brake tonnage?
A: Industrial press brakes typically range from 20 to 3,000 tons, with most sheet metal work requiring 50-300 tons.

Q2: How does material type affect tonnage?
A: Harder materials (like stainless steel) require more tonnage than softer materials (like aluminum) of the same thickness.

Q3: Why is die width important in the calculation?
A: Wider dies distribute the bending force over a larger area, reducing required tonnage compared to narrow dies.

Q4: Should I add a safety factor to the calculated tonnage?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-20% safety margin to account for material variations and other factors.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for all bend angles?
A: This formula is most accurate for 90° bends. Sharper angles may require more tonnage.