The bending radius of 14-gauge stainless steel is the smallest inner radius to which the sheet can be bent without causing damage such as cracking, splitting, or unacceptable deformation. Below is a concise overview of what to expect and factors that affect the minimum radius.
- 14-gauge thickness: 14-gauge stainless steel is approximately 1.98 mm (0.078 inches) thick. (Gauge conversions can vary by standard and source — see a reference gauge table for details.) See gauge chart.
- Typical rule of thumb: A common starting guideline for minimum bend radius is roughly equal to the material thickness — for 14G that’s about 1.98 mm (1× thickness). However, this is a general rule; actual recommended radii often vary by material grade, temper, and forming method.
- Key factors that influence the required radius:
- Material grade and condition: Different stainless grades (for example, 304 vs. 316) and whether the material is annealed or cold-worked affect ductility and springback. Austenitic grades like 304/316 tend to work-harden more and may require a larger radius for tight bends. More on stainless steel grades.
- Bend direction and grain: Bending parallel or perpendicular to the rolling/grain direction can change the risk of cracking; bending across the grain is generally safer for minimizing splits.
- Tooling and equipment: Die profile, V-die width, punch radius, and press brake capacity all affect achievable radii. Using properly sized punches/dies and gradual forming reduces stress concentration. As a rule, a wider V-opening increases the achievable minimum radius without damage.
- Part geometry and tolerances: Complex shapes, tight tolerances, and adjacent features (holes, cutouts) can increase the chance of distortion and may require adjusted radii or additional operations.
- Surface finish and coatings: Some finishes or protective coatings can crack or delaminate if bends are too tight; account for this when specifying radii.
Practical guidance: use the 1× thickness rule as a starting point but expect to specify a larger inner radius (often 1–2× thickness or more) for stainless steels that are cold-rolled, work-hardened, or when using aggressive forming operations. Perform sample bends with your chosen material and tooling to validate results before full production.
For precise recommendations tailored to your alloy, temper, and tooling, consult the material supplier or a sheet-metal fabrication expert.
