VT machining provides CNC Bending Kovar for customers who need accurate, repeatable Kovar components. Because Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
CNC Bending Capability for Kovar
- Angle accuracy ±0.5°
- Back-gauge positioning
- Bend allowance control
- Multi-bend sequencing
Kovar Material Data
| Density | 8.36 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 517 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 340 MPa |
| Hardness | 140–160 HV |
| Melting point | 1450 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 17.3 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 5.1 (30–200 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 3.5% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 35% |
| Grades we run | Kovar / ASTM F15, Alloy 42, Alloy 52 |
Published typical values for Kovar (ASTM F15). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Sealing surfaces must stay clean. Parts destined for glass-to-metal seals are degreased and handled without bare hands after final machining.
How CNC Bending Kovar Works
The Kovar blank is bent or formed against tooling under CNC-controlled ram travel and back-gauge positioning. Bend allowance and springback are compensated in the program so finished angles hit the print.
Every job begins from your CAD model or 2D drawing. Fixturing and tool paths are planned so the most critical dimensions are produced in the most rigid, repeatable setup. Critical dimensions are checked on the first part and monitored through the run.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Bending Kovar
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Bend angle | ±1.0° | ±0.5° |
| Flange length | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Hole-to-bend distance | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Minimum inside radius | 1.0 × thickness | 0.8 × thickness |
| Minimum flange height | 4 × thickness + radius | 3 × thickness + radius |
| Bend-to-bend spacing | ±0.30 mm | ±0.15 mm |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5–8.0 mm | 0.5–4.0 mm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Working with Kovar
Kovar offers a useful combination of properties: it is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals. Those characteristics shape how we approach forming — from tool and parameter selection to work-holding and coolant.
If your application is sensitive to alloy condition, we agree the specification in writing and document it. Stock is sourced from reputable suppliers so what you order is what you receive.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete Kovar components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
CNC Bending Tolerances & Surface Finish
Formed Kovar holds bend angles to about ±0.5° and consistent flange dimensions, with bend allowance compensated for the material and thickness.
Final tolerances are governed by the material's behaviour, wall thickness and overall stiffness. We give honest DFM feedback if a callout would be costly or better achieved another way.
CNC Bending Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on Kovar parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Design Tips for CNC Bending Kovar
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Consistent bend radii, adequate flange lengths and grain-direction awareness reduce cracking and springback in formed Kovar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Bending Kovar
CNC Bending of Kovar supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC Bending Kovar
Ordering Kovar parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Parts We Have Run in Kovar
Three representative CNC Bending Kovar jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.
Sheet-metal enclosure
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 300 × 200 × 120 mm
- Key callouts
- Bend angle ±0.5°, diagonal ±0.5 mm
- Batch
- 400 pcs
Bend sequence chosen so no flange collides with the tool on the last hit.
Chassis with countersinks
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- 450 × 300 × 2 mm
- Key callouts
- Countersink depth ±0.1 mm, 6 bends
- Batch
- 700 pcs
Countersinks formed before bending while the sheet is still flat and supported.
Radiused cover
- Material
- Kovar
- Size
- R150 × 500 mm
- Key callouts
- Radius ±1 mm, no tool marks
- Batch
- 200 pcs
Bumped in 14 small steps rather than rolled, because the batch does not justify a roll set.
Finishing Options for Kovar
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Bending Kovar
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Kovar grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Bending
Other Processes for Kovar
Send the drawing, the Kovar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What is CNC Bending Kovar and how is it done?
CNC Bending Kovar refers to cNC bending forms sheet metal to precise angles using a programmed press brake and back-gauge. Applied to Kovar — matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Bending Kovar?
CNC Bending prototypes for Kovar can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What surface finish is achievable on Kovar with CNC Bending?
Surface finish on Kovar is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Can VT machining make custom Kovar parts to my drawing?
Yes. Kovar Kovar forming is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
Why is Kovar a good choice for CNC Bending?
Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals, which makes it well suited to CNC Bending. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Kovar forming part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Bending Kovar?
Achievable tolerances for Kovar forming depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. We hold tight, repeatable tolerances appropriate to the feature and material. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.