Overview
EN ISO 5173:2023 - Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials: Bend tests defines standardized procedures for performing bend tests on welded metallic assemblies. Published by CEN/ISO, this fourth edition replaces earlier versions and covers transverse (root, face, side) and longitudinal bend tests for butt welds, welded cladding and cladding without butt welds. The standard specifies specimen preparation, test methods, dimensions and reporting to reveal surface or near-surface imperfections and to assess ductility.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies to metallic materials in any product form and to welded joints made by any welding process (butt welds, clad welds and cladding).
- Types of bend tests: Transverse face (TFBB), transverse root (TRBB), transverse side (TSBB) and longitudinal face/root bend tests, plus cladding-specific face and side tests.
- Specimen preparation: Guidance on location, marking, heat treatment/ageing, extraction, surface preparation and etching prior to testing.
- Specimen dimensions: Standardized dimensions and edge radii for each specimen type are provided to ensure repeatable results.
- Test methods: Includes testing with a former (guided bend), testing with rollers (guided transverse bend) and bend testing with backing plates - with alternatives for heterogeneous assemblies where materials differ in mechanical properties.
- Test conditions and parameters: Specifies selection criteria for former/roller diameters, roller spacing, bending angle and bending elongation; also addresses surface etching and test temperature considerations (testing temperature clause updated).
- Results and reporting: Defines acceptance criteria for revealing imperfections, documenting ductility, and preparing a test report (Annex A gives an example report).
Practical applications
EN ISO 5173:2023 is used to:
- Qualify weld procedures and welders by demonstrating acceptable weld ductility and absence of surface-breaking defects.
- Support quality control in fabrication, pressure-vessel manufacturing, pipeline construction and shipbuilding.
- Provide a repeatable, auditable destructive test for materials selection, supplier qualification and non-conformance investigation.
- Complement non‑destructive examination (NDE) by physically exposing near-surface defects that NDE may miss.
Who should use this standard
- Welding engineers and welding inspectors
- Metallurgical and mechanical test laboratories
- Quality managers in fabrication and heavy industry
- Certification bodies and regulatory authorities
- Designers and R&D teams validating welded joint performance
Related standards
EN ISO 5173:2023 sits within ISO/CEN welding test literature and is commonly used together with standards for visual, radiographic, ultrasonic and tensile testing of welds and materials (refer to national bodies for up-to-date normative references).
Keywords: EN ISO 5173:2023, bend tests, destructive tests on welds, transverse bend test, longitudinal bend test, butt weld, cladding, weld inspection, weld testing standard.
