While bend testing is not as commonly applied as other mechanical tests, it is nevertheless an important testing method for certain applications. Bend testing is a method for testing the ductility of a material, and it is most commonly applied to weld certification and fastener testing.

NDE, Inc. has loading equipment and fixtures to test various sizes of weld bend specimens as required by AWS, ASME and military specifications. Additionally, fixturing is maintained to allow testing of bolt sizes up to one inch in diameter for the fastener industry.

Pictured right is a fastener (beheaded for ease of testing) that has been cold bent 180 degrees around a mandrel that was equal to the diameter of the fastener, as required by Mil-B-6812.