1. What is Bend Radius?

The bend radius is the minimum radius a pipe, tube, sheet, cable or wire can be bent without causing damage. It's crucial in manufacturing and construction to prevent material failure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bend radius formula:

Where:

• \( radius \) — Minimum bend radius (m)
• \( t \) — Material thickness (m)
• \( \varepsilon_{max} \) — Maximum allowable strain (dimensionless)

Explanation: The formula accounts for material thickness and its maximum strain capacity to determine the smallest radius that won't cause damage when bending.

3. Importance of Bend Radius Calculation

Details: Proper bend radius calculation prevents material failure, cracking, or deformation during bending operations, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter material thickness in meters and maximum allowable strain (unitless). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical ε_max for common materials?
A: Metals typically 0.2-0.3, plastics 0.01-0.05, but consult material specifications for exact values.

Q2: How does bend radius affect manufacturing?
A: Smaller radii require more force and may need specialized equipment, while larger radii may affect design constraints.

Q3: Does temperature affect bend radius?
A: Yes, materials become more ductile at higher temperatures, often allowing tighter bends.

Q4: What's the difference between inside and outside bend radius?
A: Inside radius is the curve's inner surface measurement, while outside includes material thickness.

Q5: How does material anisotropy affect bending?
A: Materials with directional properties may have different bend radii depending on grain direction.