What is the purpose of the bend line in metal layout?

The purpose of the bend line in metal layout is to guide positioning in the brake. When fabricating metal parts, the bend line serves as a reference for where the metal will be bent to achieve the desired angle or shape. This line is critical because it ensures that the bends occur at the correct location, maintaining the precision required for fitting and assembly. Accurate placement of the bend line directly impacts the overall geometry of the finished metal component, which is essential in aeronautical applications where structural integrity and alignment are key.

In the metal forming process, using the bend line in conjunction with the brake helps operators achieve consistent bends, minimizing errors that could lead to part misalignment or failure.