ASTM E190
Guided Bend Test Fixture for Weld Ductility
ASTM E190 Bend Fixture – Universal Grip Data Sheet (PDF)
ASTM E190 is a guided bend test used to judge the soundness and ductility of welds by bending a welded specimen into a U-shape and inspecting the stretched surface for cracks. Weld procedure qualification labs, fabricators and welder training programs use it as a simple pass/fail check. Universal Grip supplies a plunger-and-die E190 bend fixture for universal testing machines and hydraulic presses.
What ASTM E190 Measures
E190 does not produce a strength number. It shows whether a weld can be plastically deformed without cracking. A plunger of set radius pushes the specimen into a die, so the weld metal and heat-affected zone end up on the outer, tension side of the bend. After bending, the convex face is examined for cracks, lack of fusion, porosity and other open defects. Flaws that radiography may miss often open up under this localized overstrain, making it a practical check of weld quality and welder skill.
How the ASTM E190 Test Works
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Cut a transverse or longitudinal weld specimen and remove weld reinforcement as the standard directs.
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Fit a plunger whose radius matches the specimen thickness and material requirement.
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Center the weld over the die opening with the face to be examined facing away from the plunger.
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Drive the plunger down with the test machine or press until the specimen is formed into a U-bend.
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Remove the specimen and inspect the convex surface for cracks and other open defects.
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Record pass or fail against the acceptance criteria of the governing code or specification.
Specimens and Setup
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Specimens are taken from welded plate, either across the weld (transverse) or along it (longitudinal), per ASTM E190.
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Machined edges should be smooth so edge tears are not mistaken for weld defects.
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Plunger radius is selected from specimen thickness and the material being tested; specify it when ordering.
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The weld centerline and heat-affected zone should sit in the center of the bend so they see the highest strain.
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Always confirm specimen dimensions and acceptance limits in the current edition of the standard and your welding code.
Universal Grip ASTM E190 Fixture
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Plunger-and-die geometry guides the specimen into a controlled U-bend
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Interchangeable plungers to suit specimen thickness and bend radius
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Hardened alloy steel construction with hardened, polished plunger and die shoulders to reduce galling
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Load capacity sized to the application: 100 kN (about 22,500 lbf) typical, higher on request
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Threaded or clevis adapter, or press mounting plate, for universal test machines and hydraulic presses
Applications
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Weld procedure qualification
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Welder performance testing and certification
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Steel plate fabrication QA
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Training and certification labs
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Comparing filler metals and welding parameters for ductility
Related Standards and Products
Send us your plate thickness, plunger radius and machine connection through our contact page and we will quote an ASTM E190 bend fixture built for your weld specimens. Request a quote
ASTM E190 FAQ
Does ASTM E190 give a numerical result?
No. E190 is a qualitative pass/fail test. The bent specimen is inspected for cracks and open defects on the convex surface, and the result is judged against the acceptance criteria in the welding code, contract or procedure that calls up the test.
How do I choose the plunger radius?
Plunger radius depends on specimen thickness and the material or code requirement; a smaller radius imposes more strain on the weld. Check the current standard and your welding specification, then tell us the radius you need. Plungers are interchangeable, so one die body can cover several thicknesses.
Can I run E190 on a universal testing machine instead of a press?
Yes. The fixture works on universal testing machines or hydraulic presses. A UTM adds load and displacement records, which can help document the test, but the pass/fail decision still comes from visual inspection of the bent specimen.
What machine capacity do I need?
Required force rises with plate thickness, width and material strength. Many steel weld specimens are handled by a fixture in the 100 kN (about 22,500 lbf) class, and higher-capacity versions are available. Share your specimen size and grade and we will size the fixture and frame.
How is E190 different from ASTM E290?
ASTM E290 covers bend testing of metals for ductility in general, while E190 is focused on welds, placing the weld and heat-affected zone in the zone of maximum strain to reveal weld defects. Many labs use both, depending on what the material specification requires.