What is termed the curvature of a bent piece of sheet metal?

The curvature of a bent piece of sheet metal is referred to as the bend radius. This term specifically defines the radius of the arc that forms when the metal is bent. Understanding the bend radius is crucial in sheet metal design because it influences the properties of the material post-bend, including stress distribution and potential for cracking. A smaller bend radius may increase the likelihood of material failure, while a larger radius can help maintain the integrity of the metal.

The other terms mentioned refer to different specific aspects of bending. The bend angle relates to the degree of bend applied to the sheet metal, the bend length pertains to the length along the bend itself, and the bend allowance is the additional length of material needed to compensate for the deformation that occurs as the metal is bent. Each of these plays a role in the overall bending process, but the curvature itself specifically describes the bend radius.