Weld bend testing ensures the heat affected zone, as well as the weld itself did not become brittle during the weld process. Testing may include face bend, root bend or side bend...

The specimens for bend testing are cut from a single weld plate submitted for testing. Test specimens may range in size from 6x6 inches to 8x24 inches, according to customer drawings or specifications.

The specimen is bent around a mandrel with a specific radius according to the applicable specification. The specimen is visually inspected for cracks, orange pealing or discontinuities in the bent surface. Each defect is noted on the report.

A Face Bend test is performed on a flare-bevel-groove weld specimen with the weld face on the outside of the bend radius.

A Root Bend test is performed on a flare-bevel-groove weld specimen with the side opposite the weld face on the outside of the bend radius.

A  Side Bend test is performed on a 3/8" (10mm) or greater cross-section of a flare-bevel-groove weld. The sectioned specimen in bent transversely to the weld length.

Testing may be done on most weld processes, such as MIG, TIG, GTAW, or GMAW.

Bend testing is done according to ASTM E290 – Bend Testing of Material For Ductility or industry specifications as required.