VT machining provides CNC Press Brake Forming Invar for customers who need accurate, repeatable Invar components. Because Invar is ultra-low thermal expansion, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Press Brake Forming Invar
| Minimum inside bend radius | ~1.5 × t (across the grain) |
|---|---|
| Press force, 2 mm sheet, V16 die | ~17.7 t per metre |
| Typical springback at 90° | 1-2° |
| Angle tolerance | ±0.5° (CNC back-gauge, angle measurement on first part) |
| Tooling | Sectional punches, multi-V dies, hemming and offset tools |
Shown for Invar 36, the most common Invar grade we see for CNC Press Brake Forming. Typical values for Invar 36, Annealed; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Press Brake Forming Capability for Invar
- Tonnage matched to material
- Air, bottom & coining
- Repeatable bend angles
- Long-part capability
Invar material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Bending Invar page.
How CNC Press Brake Forming Invar Works
The Invar 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 Press Brake Forming Invar
| 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.
CNC Press Brake Forming Tolerances & Surface Finish
Formed Invar 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.
Design Tips for CNC Press Brake Forming Invar
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 Invar. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Press Brake Forming Invar
CNC Press Brake Forming of Invar 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.
Typical Invar Parts for CNC Press Brake Forming
Illustrative examples of CNC Press Brake Forming Invar parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
U-channel
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 800 mm long, 3 mm thick
- Key callouts
- Angle ±0.5°, straightness 1 mm over length
- Batch
- 250 pcs
Formed in two hits with a rotating die to avoid marking the outside face.
Hemmed panel edge
- Material
- Invar
- Size
- 400 mm hem, 1.2 mm
- Key callouts
- Hem flat to 0.3 mm
- Batch
- 1,500 pcs
Hemmed to remove the sharp edge without a secondary deburr operation.
Radiused cover
- Material
- Invar
- 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.
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 Press Brake Forming Invar
- 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 Invar 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 Press Brake Forming
Other Processes for Invar
Send the drawing, the Invar 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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Press Brake Forming Invar?
Achievable tolerances for Invar 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.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Press Brake Forming on Invar?
Machined Invar edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
Does CNC Press Brake Forming Invar require dedicated tooling?
Most Invar forming work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Can VT machining make custom Invar parts to my drawing?
Yes. Invar 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.
What is CNC Press Brake Forming Invar and how is it done?
CNC Press Brake Forming Invar refers to press brake forming creates bends and complex profiles with CNC-controlled ram depth and gauging. Applied to Invar — ultra-low thermal expansion — VT machining produces each part to your CAD drawing, selecting parameters from your tolerance, finish and quantity requirements.
What surface finish is achievable on Invar with CNC Press Brake Forming?
Surface finish on Invar is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.