What does a K value of 1 indicate for a 90-degree bend?

A K value of 1 for a 90-degree bend indicates that the bend is standard with no additional allowance needed. In the context of metal forming and bending processes, the K value is a ratio that defines the relationship between the bend radius and the material thickness. When it is equal to 1, it signifies that the bend is occurring without any alterations to the basic geometry of the material.

In practical terms, this means that the developed length of the bend, which takes into account the material thickness and the radius of the bend, aligns perfectly with the expectations of standard bending practices. Hence, no extra material is needed to accommodate either stretching or compression that may typically occur in other bending scenarios. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone involved in designing or manufacturing components that involve bending, as it can greatly affect material usage and processing efficiency.