Welding Print Reading Practice Exam 2026 - Free Welding Print Reading Practice Questions and Study Guide

The test where a specimen is bent into a U shape or until it breaks is known as the guided bend test. This method is primarily used to evaluate the ductility and soundness of welds and base materials. During the test, the specimen is secured at both ends, and force is applied in the middle, causing it to bend. Observations during this process help assess the quality of the material, particularly its ability to withstand deformation without cracking.

The guided bend test is crucial in welding applications as it provides insights into the weld's integrity under stress. It can reveal defects such as inclusions, porosity, or inadequate fusion that might not be visible on the surface.

While the tensile test assesses the material's strength by pulling it until it fails, and the lateral bend test involves bending the specimen without the guided support on both ends, these tests serve different purposes. The compression test also evaluates strength, but it does so by applying compressive force rather than bending. Thus, the guided bend test stands out for its specific focus on bending properties and quality assessment in weld joints.