For that matter, no one can tell us where the k-factor is even applied within the empirical formulas. The k-factor is usually an arbitrary value, and no one seems to know how to calculate a k-factor anyway.
But a bend deduction requires a bend allowance, and the bend allowance requires a k-factor. They tell us that we can adjust some of the numbers for k-factors, bend allowance, and bend deduction. They assure us that the program is operating correctly, but we still can’t get the numbers to work out. We have talked many times with the CAD system representatives and programmers. We make dozens of trips between engineering, programming, and the shop floor before getting a working flat blank. I get many letters that ask this same fundamental question: Our flat blanks never seem to work out correctly. If you get the radius wrong, your bend calculations will fall apart. Before calling CAD tech support, measure the formed part’s inside bend radius.
