What is assessed during a guided bend test?

The guided bend test is primarily designed to evaluate the strength and ductility of welds under bending loads. During this test, a sample of the welded material is subjected to bending, which allows for an assessment of how well the weld can withstand deformation without failing. The test specifically measures the ability of the weld and the base material to sustain applied forces while maintaining structural integrity.

Passing the guided bend test indicates that the weld has adequate strength and ductility. This makes it a critical method to verify that the welding process employed meets the necessary standards and specifications for the intended application.

While other factors, like surface finish or internal defects, might influence the overall quality of the weld, these are not the primary focus of the guided bend test. Instead, the primary concern is the weld's performance under bending conditions, which reinforces why the assessment of strength under bending loads is the correct emphasis of this test.