Is bend allowance used for flat pattern unfolding?
Yes. Bend allowance represents the developed material length through the bend arc and is critical for accurate unfolding and flat pattern development.
Sheet metal
Calculate bend allowance and developed arc length using angle, radius, thickness, and K-factor for flat pattern unfolding.
Static reference
| Gauge | Thickness | Inside radius | Angle | Bend allowance | Bend deduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 ga | 0.0598 in / 1.519 mm | 0.0598 in / 1.519 mm | 45 deg | 0.0667 in | 0.0324 in |
| 12 ga | 0.1046 in / 2.657 mm | 0.1569 in / 3.985 mm | 90 deg | 0.3155 in | 0.2075 in |
Interactive calculator
FAQ
Yes. Bend allowance represents the developed material length through the bend arc and is critical for accurate unfolding and flat pattern development.
The developed flat length is the sum of the straight flange lengths plus the bend allowance for each bend in the part.