ISO 5173 Weld Bend Testing Services for Metal Joints
BS EN ISO 5173 is a European Standard titled "Resistance welding - Spot welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys - Weldability, welding and testing". It specifies the requirements for the spot welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys using resistance welding.
TRUSTED BY
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
ISO 5173 Weld Bend Test – Overview
ISO 5173 specifies a bend test method used to evaluate the ductility and soundness of welded joints in metallic materials. It assesses the ability of a weld and its heat-affected zone to withstand plastic deformation without cracking under bending stress.
The test is widely used in welding qualification and quality control to detect surface and internal defects such as lack of fusion, porosity, or inclusions. It provides a reliable indication of weld integrity and mechanical performance under deformation.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ISO 5173 defines procedures for bend testing of welded joints using guided bend tests such as face bend, root bend, and side bend. It evaluates weld quality by observing crack formation or discontinuities after controlled deformation.
The method ensures welds meet required ductility and structural integrity standards.
- Evaluation of weld ductility and soundness
- Detection of weld defects under bending stress
- Assessment of heat-affected zone performance
- Verification of welding procedure qualification
- Comparison of weld quality across samples
- Standardized weld integrity testing method
Applications
- Welding procedure qualification (WPS/PQR)
- Structural steel fabrication inspection
- Pipeline and pressure vessel welding validation
- Automotive and aerospace weld quality testing
- Shipbuilding and heavy engineering applications
- Repair weld evaluation
- Quality control in fabrication industries
Benefits
- Detects surface and subsurface weld defects effectively
- Provides direct assessment of weld ductility
- Ensures compliance with international welding standards
- Supports reliability of welded structures
- Simple and cost-effective testing method
- Enhances safety and performance of welded components
ISO 5173 Weld Bend Test – Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Welded samples are machined to specified dimensions, ensuring the weld is properly positioned for bending.
1Fixture Setup
The specimen is placed in a guided bend test fixture with a specified mandrel and supports.
2Bending Operation
Force is applied to bend the specimen around the mandrel to the required angle.
3Inspection & Evaluation
The bent surface is inspected for cracks or discontinuities and assessed against acceptance criteria.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Welded metallic materials and joints |
| Specimen Types | Face bend, root bend, and side bend specimens |
| Bend Angle | Typically up to 180° |
| Mandrel Diameter | Specified based on material thickness and welding standard |
| Evaluation Method | Visual inspection of outer bend surface |
| Output Units | Pass / Fail based on crack or discontinuity limits |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Guided bend test fixture
- Universal testing machine or bend testing machine
- Mandrels of specified diameter
- Specimen supports and rollers
- Precision cutting and machining tools
- Surface inspection tools
- Measuring instruments
- Documentation and reporting software
Results and Deliverables
- Pass/fail evaluation based on crack presence
- Crack length and location measurement
- Weld ductility assessment
- Identification of weld defects
- ISO-compliant test report
- Welding procedure qualification support
- Quality assurance documentation
- Recommendations for weld improvement
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Frequently Asked Questions
BS EN ISO 5173 specifies a mechanical test that assesses how ductile and sound the weld joint is in the metal. The test works by bending the weld sample over a mandrel and checking if any signs of defects appear in the weld metal and the heat-affected zone.
Bend testing subjects the weld and heat-affected zone to severe plastic deformation, revealing hidden defects that may not appear under tensile loading, making it highly effective for assessing weld soundness and ductility.
Normally, the bend tests involve bending the sample to an angle of about 180 degrees, but this could vary depending on the welding procedure specification and the material thickness.
Face bend tests evaluate the weld face, root bend tests assess the weld root, and side bend tests examine the full weld cross-section, providing comprehensive evaluation of weld quality across different regions.
Composition influences ductility, strength, and microstructure. Improper alloying or contamination can reduce flexibility and increase susceptibility to cracking.
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