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Learn

Free engineering reference — the charts and guides our own floor works from.

These are the same bend radii, k-factor, spacing rules and machine limits our programmers and the instant quote work from in Fontana. Model to them before you send a file and the part prices and builds as drawn.

Solidworks

Learn Tube CAD with Solidworks

A 12-video course on modeling tube in SolidWorks so the file you send cuts and bends as drawn.

Learn Sheet Metal with Solidworks

A 6-video course on sheet metal in SolidWorks: bends, flat patterns and the k-factor and radius values our press brakes run.

Charts & More

Tube Radius Chart (CLR)

Standard and non-standard centerline radii for every tube OD we tool, 0.50 to 2.00 in. Model to one of these and the part bends as drawn.

K-Factor Radius Chart

Inside bend radius by material thickness (0.0775, 0.155 and 0.250 in) and the 0.4 k-factor for steel, stainless and aluminum flat patterns.

Tube Bending Rules

The spacing rules the bender needs: 4 in between bends, 3 in of straight before and after a bend and from any cope, nothing within 0.75 in of a bend.

Machine Capacity Dimensions

Maximum sizes by process: tube to 8.5 in OD and 24 ft, plate laser to 0.75 in steel, press brake to 10 ft and 188 tons, mill and lathe envelopes.

Plate Stock & Steel Grades

Which mild steel grade we cut at each thickness (A1008, A1011 P&O, A36), sheet sizes to 96 × 240 in, and how flat parts are quoted.

How Quotes Are Priced

What the instant quote counts: sticks and sheets, bends and setups, per-piece machining, and why quantity lowers the price per part.

Common questions

Is the CalWest Learn section free?

Yes. The Learn section is free engineering reference: tube bend radius (CLR) and k-factor charts, tube bending rules, machine capacity limits, plate stock and steel grades, how quotes are priced, and two SolidWorks video courses.

Where do these charts and rules come from?

They are the same values our programmers and the instant quote work from in Fontana. Model to them before you send a file and the part prices and builds as drawn.

What spacing rules apply to CNC tube bending?

The Tube Bending Rules page lists them: 4 in between bends, 3 in of straight before and after a bend and from any cope, and nothing within 0.75 in of a bend.

What are the largest parts you can make?

The Machine Capacity page lists maximum sizes by process, including tube to 8.5 in OD and 24 ft, plate laser to 0.75 in steel, and press brake to 10 ft and 188 tons.

Do you have SolidWorks tutorials?

Yes. There is a 12-video course on tube CAD in SolidWorks and a 6-video course on sheet metal in SolidWorks, including the k-factor and radius values our press brakes run.