Metal folding is a crucial process in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive. It involves bending metal sheets to create complex shapes and structures. To achieve accurate folds, it’s essential to understand the material’s thickness and the parameters for different types of metal, such as mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. In this blog, we’ll explore the ideal V sizes, minimum length of fold, and fold allowances for various materials and thicknesses.

 

Mild Steel and Stainless Steel

Mild steel is known for its versatility and is widely used in a range of applications. To achieve precise metal folds, it’s crucial to know the parameters associated with its thickness.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, boasts corrosion resistance and is commonly chosen for applications where hygiene and durability are of utmost importance. Achieving precise folds in stainless steel requires not only a comprehension of its properties but also an awareness of the unique characteristics that make it resistant to corrosion.

To better appreciate the differences in folding parameters for mild steel and stainless steel, let’s explore a comprehensive table that outlines the ideal V sizes, minimum length of fold, and fold allowances for various thicknesses of both materials:

 

Material Thickness Ideal V size Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V
(~10%)		 Down 1 V size Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V
(~18%)		 Down 2 V sizes Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V
(~27%)		 Down 3 V sizes Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V Fold allowance for Roller V (16mm) Fold allowance for Roller V (30mm)
0.5mm 4mm 2.8mm 0.05mm
0.9mm 8mm 5.2mm 0.09mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.16mm 4.0mm 2.8mm 0.24mm
1.2mm 8mm 5.2mm 0.12mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.22mm 4.0mm 2.8mm 0.32mm
1.5mm 12mm 7.2mm 0.15mm 8.0mm 5.2mm 0.27mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.41mm 4.0mm 2.8mm
2.0mm 16mm 9.8mm 0.20mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 0.36mm 8.0mm 5.2mm 0.54mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.30mm
2.5mm 24mm 14.8mm 0.25mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 0.45mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 0.68mm 8.0mm 5.2mm
3.0mm 24mm 14.8mm 0.30mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 0.54mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 0.81mm 8.0mm 5.2mm 1.08mm 0.70mm 0.75mm
4.0mm 40mm 26.0mm 0.40mm 32.0mm 20.6mm 0.72mm 24.0mm 14.8mm 1.08mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 1.44mm 0.60mm
5.0mm 40mm 26.0mm 0.50mm 32.0mm 20.6mm 0.90mm 24.0mm 14.8mm 1.35mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 1.80mm 0.82mm
6.0mm 50mm 31.0mm 0.60mm 40.0mm 26.0mm 1.08mm 32.0mm 20.6mm 1.62mm 24.0mm 14.8mm 0.96mm
8.0mm 60mm 36.0mm 0.80mm 50.0mm 31.0mm 1.44mm 40.0mm 26.0mm 2.16mm 32.0mm 20.6mm
10.0mm 80mm 46.0mm 1.00mm 60.0mm 36.0mm 1.80mm 50.0mm 31.0mm 2.70mm 40.0mm 26.0mm
12.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 1.20mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 2.16mm 80.0mm 46.0mm 3.24mm 60.0mm 36.0mm
15.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 1.50mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 2.70mm 80.0mm 46.0mm 4.05mm
20.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 2.00mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 3.60mm 80.0mm 46.0mm 5.40mm
25.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 2.50mm

 

Aluminium

Aluminum is a lightweight material that finds its application in various industries. Its folding parameters differ from steel, making it essential to know the specific values. Due to its lightweight nature and excellent corrosion resistance, aluminium is a popular choice for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Achieving precise folds in aluminium hinges on understanding the material’s unique characteristics, as well as its thermal conductivity and malleability, which differ significantly from those of steel.

To make informed decisions when working with aluminium, it’s crucial to comprehend the ideal V sizes, minimum length of fold, and fold allowances for various thicknesses. Let’s delve into a comprehensive table that outlines these parameters, providing you with a clear reference for your aluminium folding projects:

 

Material Thickness Ideal V size Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V Down 1 V size Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V Down 2 V sizes Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V Down 3 V sizes Min length of fold Fold allowance for this V Fold allowance for Roller V (16mm) Fold allowance for Roller V (30mm)
0.5mm 4mm 2.8mm 0.05mm
0.9mm 8mm 5.2mm 0.09mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.16mm 4.0mm 2.8mm
1.2mm 8mm 5.2mm 0.12mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 0.22mm 4.0mm 2.8mm
1.5mm 12mm 7.2mm 0.15mm 8.0mm 5.2mm 0.27mm 6.0mm 3.8mm 4.0mm 2.8mm
2.0mm 16mm 9.8mm 0.20mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 0.36mm 8.0mm 5.2mm 0.54mm 6.0mm 3.8mm
2.5mm 24mm 14.8mm 0.25mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 0.45mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 8.0mm 5.2mm
3.0mm 24mm 14.8mm 0.30mm 16.0mm 9.8mm 0.54mm 12.0mm 7.2mm 0.81mm 8.0mm 5.2mm
4.0mm 40mm 26.0mm 0.40mm 32.0mm 20.6mm 0.72mm 24.0mm 14.8mm 16.0mm 9.8mm
5.0mm 50mm 31.0mm 0.50mm 40.0mm 26.0mm 0.90mm 32.0mm 20.6mm 24.0mm 14.8mm
6.0mm 60mm 36.0mm 0.60mm 50.0mm 31.0mm 1.08mm 40.0mm 26.0mm 32.0mm 20.6mm
8.0mm 80mm 46.0mm 0.80mm 60.0mm 36.0mm 1.44mm 50.0mm 31.0mm 40.0mm 26.0mm
10.0mm 100mm 60.0mm 1.00mm 80.0mm 46.0mm 1.80mm 60.0mm 36.0mm 50.0mm 31.0mm
12.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 1.20mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 2.16mm 80.0mm 46.0mm 60.0mm 36.0mm
15.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 1.50mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 2.70mm 80.0mm 46.0mm
20.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 2.00mm 100.0mm 60.0mm 3.60mm 80.0mm 46.0mm
25.0mm 124mm 72.0mm 2.20mm

 

Accurate metal folding is essential for various industries and applications. Understanding the ideal V sizes, minimum length of fold, and fold allowances for materials like mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium is crucial to ensure precision and efficiency in your projects. Whether you’re in manufacturing or construction, this comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions when working with these materials.

 

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