Guided Bend Test of Metal Welds

Fixture for Guided Bend Test Metal Welds

Guided bend tests provide a quality control check that helps determine the ductility of weld metal at the face and root of a welded joint. A guided bend test sample containing the weld is located at its center point while being supported by lower anvils. It is bent 180 degrees and the sample is visually checked for cracks or defects. No cracks should appear on the surface greater than 1/8 inch. The outside of the welded bend is plastically deformed so that any defects in, or embrittlement of, the material will be revealed by the premature failure of the coupon. The bend test may be free formed or guided. The two approaches are to provide a special test fixture for use with a universal test machine or to provide a special purpose simplified test machine integrated with the special fixture. Both approaches are available from TestResources. The test specimen is placed across the supports of the die and the upper anvil or plunger is mounted to the upper universal test machine crosshead and forces the specimen into the lower bend fixture. Our fixtures are considered an accessory that is placed in the test space of a universal testing machine that can also be outfitted with tensile test grips. In many applications, it is common to perform both flexural guided bend tests and tensile tests in the same test machine.

Applicable Testing Standards

Recommended Test Machine

300 Series Electromechanical Universal Test Machines

Force range of 5 kN to 600 kN (1,125 lbf to 135,000 lbf)
Adjustable test space
The most popular choice for static tension and compression tests
These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models