ASTM E290-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E290-22 — Standard Test Methods for Bend Testing of Material for Ductility. This standard specifies four bend-test methods (guided, semi-guided, free, and bend-and-flatten) and the associated specimen preparation, fixture geometry, and acceptance criteria used to evaluate cracking and surface irregularities as a measure of material ductility and formability.

Abstract

These test methods provide procedures to assess the ductility of metallic materials by bending a specimen under defined constraint conditions and inspecting for cracks or surface irregularities. Methods cover guided-bend (mandrel/plunger and supports), semi-guided bend (contact with a mandrel to a specified radius or angle), free-bend (no transverse force applied to the bend), and bend-and-flatten (compressive closure of the bend). Measurement and fixture tolerances, specimen orientation, and edge finishing requirements are included to ensure repeatable results.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition).
• Publication date: 15 June 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.040.10 — Mechanical testing of metals / Metals — mechanical testing.
• Edition / version: Designation E290-22 (current edition published 2022).
• Number of pages: 12 pages.

Scope

Specifies standardized bend-test methods to evaluate ductility of wrought and formed metallic materials. The standard defines specimen types and orientations (longitudinal/transverse), fixture geometries and clearances (including formulas relating clearance to specimen thickness and plunger radius), mandrel/pin/roller radii tolerances, procedures to measure bend radius and angle (while under load for some methods), and criteria for identifying cracks or surface irregularities. It is intended for product qualification, quality control, and comparative testing where bend performance is a design or acceptance requirement.

Key topics and requirements

• Four defined bend methods: guided-bend, semi-guided bend, free-bend, and bend-and-flatten, with descriptions of when each is appropriate.
• Fixture geometry and tolerances (e.g., clearance related to thickness and plunger radius; mandrel/pin/roller radius tolerance typically ±5% of nominal).
• Specimen preparation: dimensions, edge finishing (allowed edge radii and requirements for machined or smoothed cut surfaces).
• Test execution: bending to specified radius or angle (measured under load for semi-guided), or until leg contact for bend-and-flatten; prohibition on reversal of bend force.
• Evaluation criteria: visual/optical inspection of convex surface for cracks and surface irregularities; definitions and reporting of crack characteristics.
• Orientation considerations: transverse and longitudinal specimen orientations relative to processing direction (rolling/coiling).

Typical use and users

Used by materials and metallurgical laboratories, product and process engineers, quality and inspection personnel, manufacturers of metal products (sheet, plate, bar, and formed components), and specifiers who need a reproducible bend-test to assess ductility, forming limits, or to verify conformance to product requirements. It is commonly referenced in material specifications, procurement requirements, and inspection protocols.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside other mechanical test standards such as ASTM E8/E8M (tension testing definitions and room temperature references), ISO 7438 (metallic materials — bend test), and other ASTM metal-testing practices and product-specific standards; it is developed under ASTM Committee E28 (Ductility and Formability).

Keywords

bend test, ductility, guided bend, semi-guided bend, free bend, bend-and-flatten, mandrel, plunger, pin, roller, clearance, specimen preparation, crack inspection, forming limit, ASTM E290-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E290-22 is the 2022 edition of the ASTM standard that provides standardized test methods for bend testing of materials to evaluate ductility and surface cracking under controlled bending conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers four bend-test methods (guided, semi-guided, free, and bend-and-flatten), specimen geometry and edge treatment, fixture dimensions and tolerances, test execution procedures (including measurement under load where specified), and criteria for detecting and reporting cracks or surface irregularities.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, metallurgists, quality engineers, manufacturers of metal products, and standards writers or specifiers who need to assess or specify ductility and forming performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E290-22 is the current published edition (approved 15 June 2022). Users should verify they have the correct edition for contract or regulatory use; ASTM maintains notice of revisions and work items for possible future revision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM metal mechanical testing family of standards developed by Committee E28 (Ductility and Formability) and is often used together with related test methods (for example, tensile testing and other formability tests).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bend test, ductility, mandrel, plunger, guided bend, free bend, bend-and-flatten, specimen clearance, crack inspection, forming limit.