When bending stainless steel in a handbrake, by how many gages is the capacity reduced?

When bending stainless steel in a handbrake, the capacity is reduced by 4 gages due to the material's characteristics. Stainless steel is denser and stronger than other metals commonly bent in a handbrake, such as mild steel. This greater strength requires more force to achieve a bend, thereby reducing the thickness of material that can be effectively processed by the equipment.

Understanding this reduction in capacity is crucial, as it affects how fabricators calculate and plan their projects. They need to account for this when deciding on the thickness of stainless steel that can be bent, ensuring they select a gauge that the handbrake can handle without compromising the quality of the bend. This kind of knowledge is essential for working efficiently with stainless steel, allowing for successful outcomes in sheet metal fabrication.