What happens to the part of the material that is on the inside of the bend during metal bending?

During the metal bending process, the material on the inside of the bend experiences compression. This occurs because, as the metal is bent, the inner fibers are shortened, and the area experiences a decrease in length. The compression is essential for maintaining the integrity of the bend because it ensures that the material does not crack or fail under the stress of bending.

The bending process affects different parts of the metal sheet variably; while the fibers on the outside of the bend are stretched and elongated, the fibers on the inside are effectively squished together. Understanding this concept is crucial for ensuring that the bending process is performed correctly to avoid compromising the strength and durability of the material. Factors such as the type of metal, thickness, and bending radius are also significant in determining how the material will behave during the bending process.