Sheet Metal Grain Direction

Bending with the grain gives a different result than bending against it.

Sheet metal grain direction. This micrograin runs parallel to the edge of the ribbon of sheet metal as it comes out of the roller. That has negligible impact on part strength. The grain direction is established during the metal rolling process. As a third source of grain in the material the rolling mill can sand the surface of the ribbon to give it a cosmetically appealing finish.

A metal s grain direction is usually only a factor when bending however. In addition the grain direction needs to be considered when the bend radius is less than twice the thickness depending on the material and its hardness. You must pay careful attention to grain or rolling direction when bending high strength metals especially when trying to achieve a small inside bend radius. 586631 grain direction and fixed face should be options within doc props sheet metal provide the user with tools options doc props sheet metal options for fixed face and grain direction.

Bending metal against the grain or perpendicular to the grain is a common way to prevent material failure or cracking. The rolling process also introduces a grain direction in the microstructure of the sheet. These option will be the default on but the user has the availability to turn them off via rmb view properties individually. When sheetmetal is bend perpendicular to rolling direction grain rearranges.

This is because sharper or tighter bends can be made across the grain without cracking. Bending with the grain or parallel to the grain direction can be a contributor to material failure as bending along the grain allows for separation of the grain boundaries. During sheet metal processing rolling operation material grains are arranged in the direction of rolling. Grain structure in the metal sheet is critical for avoiding cracks in sheet metal parts with lugs or tabs that are cut on three sides and bent in or out.