Press Brake Tonnage Calculator

Calculate the required bending force for air bending sheet metal. Determine the ideal V-die opening, required tonnage per meter, and ensure your press brake has sufficient capacity.

Input

Press Brake Tonnage Calculator

01Material Type

Tensile Strength (MPa)
Preset

02Bending Parameters

03Quote details

Additional quote details
Bending Force DiagramP = 227.2 ton
V = 12 mmT = 2 mmP = 227.2 ton

Tonnage with Safety Factor: 227.2 ton

Tonnage with Safety Factor

227.2 ton

Base Tonnage189.33 ton

Tonnage per Unit Length189.33 ton/m

Recommended V-Die12 mm

Minimum Flange Length12.04 mm

Est. Inside Radius2 mm

Always verify your machine's maximum capacity before bending.

Calculate Bend Deduction

Use these parameters in the Bend Allowance Calculator

Tonnage Results

V-Die Used for Calc12 mm

Calculations are based on standard air bending practices referencing DIN 6935 and the Machinery's Handbook.

Method

How Tonnage is Calculated

The bending force (tonnage) for air bending is calculated using the formula F = (k × L × UTS × t²) / V. The constant k depends on the material, t is the material thickness, L is the bend length, UTS is the ultimate tensile strength, and V is the V-die opening. The recommended V-die opening is typically 6 to 10 times the material thickness.

Calculate Bend Deduction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is press brake tonnage?

Press brake tonnage is the amount of force required to bend a piece of sheet metal. It is determined by the material type, thickness, bend length, and the V-die opening used.

How to choose V-die opening?

For mild steel, the recommended V-die opening is usually 6 to 8 times the material thickness for thicknesses up to 3mm, and 10 to 12 times for thicker materials.

What safety factor to use?

A safety factor of 1.2 to 1.5 is typically recommended to account for material variations, grain direction, and machine wear.

What affects required tonnage?

Tonnage increases with material thickness, tensile strength, and bend length. It decreases if a larger V-die opening is used.

How to check if my machine can handle this bend?

Compare the calculated "Tonnage with Safety Factor" against your press brake's maximum rated capacity. Also ensure the tonnage per unit length does not exceed the tooling's limit.