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[Lachlan]

I’d like some help with a project. I’m designing a stainless steel 304 enclosure with multiple 90° flanges (sheet thickness ~2 mm). For strength and edge alignment, I want the inside bend radius to be as tight as possible, but also to avoid cracking or increased cost.

What minimum inside radius would others recommend for 2 mm SS-304 in 90° bends for an enclosure that sees occasional vibration? Also, how does choosing air bending vs bottom bending affect fatigue life or cost in this scenario?

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[Cameron Ross]

Assuming you’re using a press brake for bending, the general rule of thumb for minimum bend radius is 1-2 times the material thickness. It sounds like you should go for bottom bending, since you talk about edge alignment (reasonably low tolerance) and a tight inside bend radius. Bottom bending is more accurate and has less springback than air bending. I would also guess that bottom bending is probably better for components that will be exposed to vibration and fatigue. However, the reality is that bottom bending is more expensive than air bending, so it’s gonna have to be a tradeoff about how much that accuracy is worth to you. It’s also slower.

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