The lengths in the flat pattern will be different from in the bent state. The flat pattern is what the part looks like before any bends have happened. More so, it will allow you to achieve the correct size and dimensions needed in the flat pattern. BEND DEDUCTIONSĬonsidering the Bend Deduction and Bend Allowances is a critical first step in designing sheet metal parts as it affects nearly every following step in the fabrication process. One topic rarely covered at length and seems to create the most confusion is around Bend Deductions and consequently Bend Allowances. Often times, parts are not designed with best practices around sheet metal fabrication in mind requiring sheet metal shops to do a lot of work behind the scenes, getting prints ready for production using standard fabrication processes. Projects are generally designed or modeled and then sent to fabrication shops to bid on, and if won, fabricated to print. Sheet metal fabrication, and specifically, precision sheet metal fabrication is an excellent way to create and built robust products by means of cutting, forming, and assembling processes.
