Aluminum K-Factor
Aluminum K-factor depends on alloy, temper, bend radius, grain direction and forming method. 5052-H32, 6061-T6 and annealed aluminum can behave very differently.
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Why aluminum varies
Aluminum temper changes ductility and springback. A bend that works cleanly in 5052-H32 may crack or spring back differently in 6061-T6.
Measured setup value
Use a coupon bent with production tooling, then back-solve K from the measured flat length or bend allowance.
K = (BA / theta - R) / t
Design caution
Do not treat aluminum K-factor as an alloy-only constant. Radius-to-thickness ratio and grain direction are just as important.
Related pages
- Sheet-metal K-factor calculator - back-solve K from a measured bend allowance or coupon.
- Bend allowance calculator - use a known K-factor to calculate bend allowance.
- Bend deduction calculator - convert between outside dimensions and flat length.
- What is K-factor? - neutral-axis explanation and formula context.