CNC Press Brake Forming Steel is a core capability at VT machining. We combine controlled forming with material-aware setup for Steel — an alloy that is strong, economical, widely available carbon/alloy grades — to produce parts that meet your specification first time.
Process Data for CNC Press Brake Forming Steel
| Minimum inside bend radius | ~1 × t (across the grain) |
|---|---|
| Press force, 2 mm sheet, V16 die | ~15.9 t per metre |
| Typical springback at 90° | 0.5-1° |
| Angle tolerance | ±0.5° (CNC back-gauge, angle measurement on first part) |
| Tooling | Sectional punches, multi-V dies, hemming and offset tools |
Shown for 1018 Steel, the most common Steel grade we see for CNC Press Brake Forming. Typical values for 1018 Steel, Cold-drawn; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Press Brake Forming Capability for Steel
- Tonnage matched to material
- Air, bottom & coining
- Repeatable bend angles
- Long-part capability
Steel material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Bending Steel page.
How CNC Press Brake Forming Steel Works
The Steel 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 Steel
| 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 Steel 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.
Design Tips for CNC Press Brake Forming Steel
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 Steel. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Press Brake Forming Steel
Customers order CNC Press Brake Forming Steel 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.
Typical Steel Parts for CNC Press Brake Forming
Illustrative examples of CNC Press Brake Forming Steel 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.
Radiused cover
- Material
- Steel
- 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.
Mounting bracket
- Material
- Steel
- Size
- 120 × 60 mm, 2 bends
- Key callouts
- Angle ±0.5°, hole-to-bend ±0.15 mm
- Batch
- 3,000 pcs
Holes placed at least 2.5 × thickness from the bend line so they do not distort.
Sheet-metal enclosure
- Material
- Steel
- 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.
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 Steel
- 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 Steel 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 Steel
Send the drawing, the Steel grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Can VT machining make custom Steel parts to my drawing?
Yes. Steel 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.
Which industries use CNC Press Brake Forming Steel parts?
CNC Press Brake Forming Steel parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise Steel components are required.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Press Brake Forming Steel?
CNC Press Brake Forming prototypes for Steel 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 tolerances can you hold for CNC Press Brake Forming Steel?
Achievable tolerances for Steel 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.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Press Brake Forming Steel?
We form Steel sheet and plate to your developed flat pattern and bend sequence.