When bending metal, what happens to the material on the outside of the curve?

When bending metal, the material on the outside of the curve stretches. This occurs because, as the metal is bent, the fibers on the outer edge of the bend are elongated to accommodate the new shape. This stretching is a crucial factor in metalworking since it affects the metal's overall properties and behavior during and after the bending process.

Understanding this concept is essential for ensuring that the final shape of the metal will not suffer from cracking or failure, especially if the bend is severe. In contrast, the inside of the bend experiences compression, leading to different mechanical stresses across the material. Knowing how metals respond to bending allows for better design and fabrication practices in sheet metal structures.