So, I commonly use 1mm thick sheet metal (CRS if that matters), and I need to figure out how to properly use the flatten function. So, what I am wondering is what the smallest bend is that I can use for an edge flange? It would just be for a very basic bend. Is there a definite answer? Or does it all depend on something that I am not accounting for?
Thanks everyone!
For most purposes, you can google the name of the material and "MIN BEND RADIUS". It ranges from zero for very thin materials up to 2x the thickness for very thick materials. It does matter that it's CRS.
Thanks guys, these are really helpful answers concerning the actual minimal bend radius'. However, I'm wondering what the formula would be for the parts IN SolidWorks. For some reason, I can't get my pieces to flatten unless they are almost 6mm bends, which is far too large for the parts that I need to be making (computer chassis).
So is there any actual formula I'd need to know in order to be able to flatten the parts IN solidworks itself? Not so much wondering about the actual parts being made, just the models. If that makes sense?
NEVERMIND! I figured it out. It turns out I just wasn't setting any bend allowance when I set up the flanges! DUMB MISTAKE LOL!
Bending Sheet metal depends on the Brake Press and Dies used for bending - As for the radius, this would depend on the tensile strength of the material being bent, there are guys that could explain that better than myself, however rule of thumb for me has been thickness = minimum bend radius, but that's not an industry standard. If and when I needed to go less than that I would have the shop run a test pc.