A572 Grade 50 bends fine—but it is not A36. With a 345 MPa minimum yield, the plate fights back harder, and the rules for radius and springback are stricter.
Start with the minimum inside radius. For cold bending, use 1.5t when the bend line runs across the rolling direction, and 2.5t when it runs along it. Bending across the grain keeps the outer fibers in better shape; along the grain, the risk of edge cracking climbs fast.
Springback is the second thing to plan for. Higher yield means more elastic recovery—expect roughly twice the springback of mild steel. Compensate by overbending a few degrees, or use a bottoming die when the angle matters. Test on a offcut first if the angle is critical.
Watch the edges. Flame-cut or sheared edges carry micro-defects that become crack starters on the outer radius. Grind the bend line edges smooth before forming, and keep the bend a reasonable distance—at least 2.5t—from any cut edge or hole.
Thick plate and tight radii do not mix. Above about 25mm, or whenever the radius drops below 2t, warm forming around 150–200°C reduces cracking risk without hurting the steel's properties—A572 Gr50 is supplied as-rolled and does not need post-bend heat treatment in normal cases.
After bending, check the outer surface for hairline cracks, especially on critical parts—dye penetrant is cheap insurance.
Bend it right and A572 Gr50 forms as predictably as any carbon steel. Respect the radius, allow for springback, and prep the edges.
