Protocase Resources

The information below is intended to be helpful for customers who wish to learn more about enclosure design. Also, please use our online support if you have questions for our expert design staff.

   

Jog Bends

While jog bends and material offset bends achieve a similar result, the means by which each bend is created is different.

Protocase Tech Tip Video

Material offset bends are preformed in a single operation. The tool used for material offset bends has an imprint that will form the metal with a singular offset. These will typically raise your bend up by the material thickness.

On the other hand, jog bends are preformed in two separate operations. Jog bends are a more manual method of achieving parallel distances, and enable larger distances than material offset bends. Jog bends offer greater flexibility as you are not limited by the single tool and operation.

These bends keep the part on either side parallel to each other, in order to provide an offset surface. These can be used to allow space for a cover to sit on top of an enclosure while remaining flush with the outside.

Jog bends and material offset bends are often used for adding clearance to a design, such as adding an offset lid that is tucked inside your design.

Sequence of Jog Bends:

Jog Bend Examples:

Materials

We can create jog bends and material offset bends on many types of sheet metal, including aluminum, cold rolled steel, galvanneal and stainless steel.

Constraints

It is important to ensure enough clearance is between your offsetting flanges and the inside of the cover.
We recommend staying within the range of 0.010” to 0.020” for your clearance.

Finishes

Parts with jog bends or material offset bends can be treated with any of our finishes, so long as the part meets the minimum and maximum dimensions for the particular finish you choose.