Cable Tray 90 Degree Turn with Two 45 Degree Bends
Two equal 45 degree horizontal folds produce a total 90 degree change in route direction. This layout has two V cuts and a straight section between their axes. Work out the individual opening and the axis spacing before estimating stock length. The worked example uses the same retained-outer-wall convention as TrayNeo’s horizontal bend calculator.
Try the worked example in 3D ↗Set the straight-stock measurements
Use a 200 mm base width W, 50 mm wall height H, 350 mm before the first axis L and 350 mm after the last axis T. Set the spacing P between the two fold axes to 300 mm. Measure L, P and T along the outer edge of the original straight stock.
The first station is L. The second is L + P. The outgoing end is L + P + T from the starting end. After forming, the middle segment is angled, so identify the original-stock reference before comparing a field measurement with P.
Calculate each 45 degree cut
Each fold has angle α = 90° / 2 = 45°. Its half-notch is d = W × tan(α / 2), so use tan(22.5°) in this calculation. Each full opening is 2d, and the two cuts have equal dimensions.
Check both end lengths against d + 10 mm. The middle axis spacing must be at least 2d + 10 mm in this model because the two adjacent half-notch setbacks occupy that section. A spacing that passes this check still requires a suitable material and connection detail.
Worked example dimensions
These values are calculated by the same geometry modules as the linked tool. The example link loads this exact input set, including millimetres.
| Measurement | Calculated value |
|---|---|
| Half-notch at each cut d | 82.84 mm |
| Full V opening at each cut 2d | 165.69 mm |
| Fold stations from stock start | 350.00 mm / 650.00 mm |
| V endpoints at inner edge | 267.16 – 432.84 mm / 567.16 – 732.84 mm |
| Total straight stock length | 1,000.00 mm |
Mark the two independent stations
For this example the axes lie at 350 mm and 650 mm, and total straight stock length is 1000 mm. At the inner edge, each V spans its own station minus d to station plus d. Mark both openings before comparing the remaining material between them.
In the 3D calculator, view the straight tray and both marked cuts, then remove the two base wedges and matching inner-wall strips. Keep the outer wall connected at both tips. Fold each joint by 45° and inspect both seams in the final 90° route.
Compare fold count and field fit
Changing P moves the second axis and changes the overall footprint and stock length. It leaves each 45° V opening unchanged. Increasing tray width increases the notch setbacks and may require a larger P to keep the cuts separated.
The two-fold polygonal route has sharp joints. Check the cable path, tray profile, forming allowance and fasteners against the actual installation. Use the three-30-degree and four-22.5-degree calculators to compare other segmented layouts and their individual marking stations.
Ask for a useful field review
For peer review, give W, H, L, P and T and name P as straight-stock axis spacing. Ask reviewers to check the two fold stations, the remaining material between cuts and the formed footprint.
Add a screenshot and the calculator’s Share calculation link after applying your dimensions. Include the tray profile and relevant joining detail so reviewers can identify the measurement convention.
Send feedback to TrayNeo ↗Calculate and continue
Cable tray bend calculator — two 45° bends ↗TrayNeo geometric demonstration. Review the model against the selected tray, material, cable route and manufacturer’s instructions before fabrication.