CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar from VT machining delivers precision Kovar parts produced to your exact drawing. Press brake forming creates bends and complex profiles with CNC-controlled ram depth and gauging, and we tune every parameter to the behaviour of Kovar, which is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals.
CNC Press Brake Forming Capability for Kovar
- Tonnage matched to material
- Air, bottom & coining
- Repeatable bend angles
- Long-part capability
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 Press Brake Forming 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.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Press Brake Forming 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.
CNC Press Brake Forming 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.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Working with Kovar
As a material, Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals. Our setup reflects the alloy's machinability so the finished part is accurate and free of avoidable defects.
We verify the exact grade and condition before machining, and traceable mill certs are available on request. We can work to your nominated material source or specification when required.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Finished Kovar parts can move straight into secondary operations under one roof. Typical add-ons are deburring, passivation, anodising, plating, blasting, polishing and laser marking. We coordinate the whole chain so you receive complete, inspection-ready parts.
CNC Press Brake Forming Quality & Inspection
We control quality throughout the process, not just at the end. In-process checks plus final inspection — including CMM where specified — keep every Kovar part to print. Inspection reports, material certificates and first-article documentation can be supplied on request.
Design Tips for CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. 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 Press Brake Forming Kovar
Customers order CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
How to Order CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar
Getting a quote is simple. Share your model, the material grade, your quantity and target tolerances. You receive a clear quotation with lead time and honest manufacturability feedback.
Parts We Have Run in Kovar
Three representative CNC Press Brake Forming 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 Press Brake Forming 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 Press Brake Forming
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
Which industries use CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar parts?
CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Kovar components are required.
Does CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar require dedicated tooling?
Most Kovar forming work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
How clean are the edges produced by CNC Press Brake Forming on Kovar?
Machined Kovar edges are clean and to specification; edge-break or deburring is added when your drawing calls for it.
What surface finish is achievable on Kovar with CNC Press Brake Forming?
Surface finish on Kovar is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Press Brake Forming Kovar?
CNC Press Brake Forming 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.