Figure 3.18 Detail of a corner bend in a cold-formed shape.

feasibility of forming bends. If the bends are too close together, it may not
be possible to fabricate them. The proper distance between bends is a function
of the bend radii and the dimensions of the brake and dies used. Also, to
allow for variation in the actual developed length of bends versus the calculated
length, the bend sequence may be planned so that the variance is accumulated
in a non-critical dimension. Another consideration arises when the
bend is longer than the clear distance between the supports of the press. In
such instances, the distance from the edge of the piece to the bend cannot be
too great or the piece cannot be inserted far enough into the press. When this
occurs, bends nearest the edge of the piece may need to be made first.
Uncoiled sheet may experience coil set, a longitudinal bowing in the direction
of coiling, especially near the end of the coil where the radius of
curvature is smallest. To eliminate this, introduce small longitudinal stiffening
bends. Large, flat expanses of sheet are undesirable even when made from
flat sheet stock because they tend to show buckles or waves, action sometimes
referred to as ��oil-canning.�� Often these are not a structural concern but can
adversely affect appearance. Small stiffening bends at sufficient intervals can
overcome this.
Quality Assurance Aluminum plate (and other products) may contain flaws
(euphemistically called discontinuities) due to porosity, laminations, cracks,
or foreign material. Aluminum Standards and Data (ASD) provides no requirements
other than visual inspection except ultrasonic inspection of certain
2xxx and 7xxx series alloys (Table 6.3), usually referred to as ��aerospace
alloys.�� ASTM B548, Ultrasonic Inspection of Aluminum-Alloy Plate for
Pressure Vessels (65), and ASTM B594, Ultrasonic Inspection of Aluminum-
Alloy Wrought Products for Aerospace Applications (68), also provide specifications
for ultrasonic inspection of aluminum products. Even if your application isn�t a
pressure vessel or aerospace vehicle, if structural demands
warrant it, you might consider requiring similar inspection. The ASD test
parameters are similar to the ASTM B594 aerospace inspection, but ASD
establishes the maximum acceptable discontinuities. The lowest acceptable
ASD quality class is B, for which discontinuities may not exceed in. [3 1�8
mm] in size. The ASTM B548 pressure vessel criteria limit discontinuities to
1.0 in. [25 mm]. AWS D1.2-97 section 3.2.4 provides procedures to address
discontinuities larger than 1 in. [25 mm].