Bethlehem Lukens Plate

Hardwear Steels

BEND FORMABILITY
Hardwear� steels were specifically designed for improved formability. BLP's plane strain bend testing of Hardwear 400F and Hardwear 500F led to the forming guidelines presented in Table 2.

These guidelines are based on forming at typical shop temperatures over +60F.* We caution that bend forming of these hard steels should be carried out using shop practices which include, but are not limited to, using hardened V-dies with a liberal radius (See Table 2). Also, adequate lubrication, grinding of plate edges and applying the load in a smooth, steady manner is recommended. Particular caution should be used in applying the "bump and move" technique to control the depth and number of bends.

Examples of bends formed from Hardwear 400F plates, using the guidelines of Table 2, are shown below.

*Hardwear steels are not intended for hot forming applications, unless reheat treatment of the part is included. Consult BLP for heat treatment guidelines.


Table 2: BLP Hardwear� 400F and 500F
Severity Ratios for Single Stroke Bend
   Thickness
Range*
Bend Transverse to
Rolling Direction
Bend Parallel to
Rolling Direction
  
Grade     R/t W/t R/t W/t

Hardwear 400F  3/16 - 3/4 inch
 (4.8-19 mm)
3 13.5 4 14.5

Hardwear 500F  3/16 - 1/2 inch
 (4.8-13 mm)
6 16 6 16
*Consult BLP for greater thicknesses

 


Punch Bend Forming Severity Ratio - R/t
Punch Bend Forming Severity Ratio - W/t

Examples of bends formed from Hardwear 400F plates.
Bend Load Requirement Formulas
(for nominal strength levels)

P = estimated press load, tons
L = length of plate to bend, inches

400F
P = (150 x t� x L)/W
500F
P = (200 x t� x L)/W

Example: 400F plate 0.5-inch thick by 48-inches wide with a die W of 7 inches

P = (150 x 0.52 x 48)/7 = 257 tons needed for forming

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