Abstract: To theoretically investigate the influence of Bauschinger effect on sp ringback in sheet metal stretch bending, the constitution relation of a kinemati c hardening was used to determine the stress distributions of stretch bending b y numerical calculation, so that the springback was calculated. They were compar ed with the results calculated according to the constitution relation of an isot ropic hardening. The function of Bauschinger effect on springback during stretch bending was analyzed in accordance with the distinguishing feature of those dis tributions. The results of investigation show that in bending after stretch Bauschinger effect is beneficial to decreasing the springback and its influence is little, for small is either pre-stretching or the zone which loads in the oppo s ite direction are acting on; and that in stretching after bend it is detrimental to reducing the springback, but its influence is not evident, for alteration to the inner bending moment and the curvature radius of strain neutral surface is r estricted mutually.