ASTM E190-21 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E190-21 — Standard Test Method for Guided Bend Test for Ductility of Welds. This standard specifies a guided bend test procedure used to evaluate the soundness and ductility of welds in ferrous and nonferrous products by bending specimens into a U-shaped die and inspecting the convex surface for cracks or other open flaws.

Abstract

The guided bend test described in E190-21 defines specimen types, fixture geometry, bending procedure and visual examination criteria to determine weld ductility and detect surface-breaking defects not revealed by radiography. The method is primarily intended for plate specimens and is used to qualify welds, welding procedures, and welder performance. Units are inch-pound as standard with SI conversions for information.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition: E190-21).
• Publication date: Approved July 1, 2021; published August 2021 (E190‑21 edition).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Welding; ICS code typically 25.160.40 (welding joints and welds).
• Edition / version: E190-21 (2021 revision, replaces E190-14).
• Number of pages: 4 (concise test method document).

Scope

This test method covers a guided bend test for determination of soundness and ductility of welds in ferrous and nonferrous products. It is intended primarily for plates (rectangular specimens machined from plate or pipe) and is not a substitute for other bend-test methods where those are specified. The test produces a controlled bend using a plunger and U-shaped die; the bent convex surface is examined for cracking or other surface flaws.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen types and orientation (weld-face, weld-root, transverse faces).
• Fixture and die geometry to produce the required contour and bend radius.
• Plunger and support spacing, required bend angles and displacement procedures.
• Visual examination criteria for cracks and surface-breaking defects after bending.
• Sampling and specimen preparation in accordance with applicable specifications and codes.
• Units: inch‑pound are normative; SI conversions provided for information.
• Referenced terminology and standards (e.g., ASTM E6 terminology, AWS A3.0 definitions).

Typical use and users

Used by welding laboratories, quality assurance/quality control teams, welding procedure qualification engineers, welding inspectors, fabricators and code authorities to evaluate weld ductility and detect surface defects as part of procedure qualification, welder qualification, and incoming inspection programs.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents include ASTM E6 (Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing) and AWS A3.0 (Welding terms and definitions). E190-21 supersedes E190-14 and is maintained under ASTM Committee E28 (Mechanical Testing), Subcommittee E28.02 (Ductility and Formability).

Keywords

guided bend, bend test, ductility, weld inspection, weld qualification, weld soundness, bend specimen, welding test method

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E190-21 is a standardized test method that defines how to perform a guided bend test to assess the ductility and surface soundness of welds.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, fixture/die geometry, bending procedure, inspection of the convex surface for cracks or open flaws, and applicable units and terminology for guided bend testing of welds.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Welding labs, QA/QC personnel, welding inspectors, fabricators, weld procedure qualification engineers, and code authorities use this method for weld assessment and qualification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E190-21 is the current ASTM edition published in 2021 and supersedes the previous E190-14 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The test method is maintained by ASTM Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing (Subcommittee E28.02 on Ductility and Formability) and is part of ASTM’s collection of mechanical testing procedures rather than a numeric series of closely numbered standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Guided bend, ductility, welds, bend test, weld qualification, soundness.