A method for precision bending of a sheet of material (41, 241, 341, 441)
along a bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) and the resulting sheet are
disclosed. A method includes a step of forming longitudinally extending
slits (43, 243, 343, 443) through the sheet of material in axially spaced
relation to produce precise bending of the sheet (41, 241, 341, 441)
along the bend line (45, 245, 345, 445) with edges (257, 457) engaged and
supported on faces (255, 455) of the sheet material on opposite sides of
the slits. The edge-to-face contact produces bending along a virtual
fulcrum position in superimposed relation to the bend line (45, 245, 345,
445). Several slit embodiments (43, 243, 343, 443) suitable for producing
edge-to-face engagement support and precise bending are disclosed, as is
the use of the slit sheets to enhance various fabrication techniques.