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Designation: E290 − 09

StandardTest Methods for

Bend Testing of Material for Ductility1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E290; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 These test methods cover bend testing for ductility of
materials. Included in the procedures are four conditions of 2. Referenced Documents
constraint on the bent portion of the specimen; a guided-bend
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
test using a mandrel or plunger of defined dimensions to force
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
the mid-length of the specimen between two supports separated
E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Ma-
by a defined space; a semi-guided bend test in which the
terials
specimen is bent, while in contact with a mandrel, through a
E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
specified angle or to a specified inside radius (r) of curvature,
terials
measured while under the bending force; a free-bend test in
E190 Test Method for Guided Bend Test for Ductility of
which the ends of the specimen are brought toward each other,
Welds
but in which no transverse force is applied to the bend itself
and there is no contact of the concave inside surface of the 3. Summary of Test Methods
bend with other material; a bend and flatten test, in which a 3.1 Four methods for ductility testing employing bending
transverse force is applied to the bend such that the legs make are included in these test methods. Three methods have
contact with each other over the length of the specimen. subgroups with specific procedures.
1.2 After bending, the convex surface of the bend is 3.1.1 Guided Bend:
examined for evidence of a crack or surface irregularities. If 3.1.1.1 Guided Bend, No Die,
the specimen fractures, the material has failed the test. When 3.1.1.2 Guided Bend, U-Bend,
complete fracture does not occur, the criterion for failure is the 3.1.1.3 Guided Bend, V-Bend,
number and size of cracks or surface irregularities visible to the 3.1.1.4 Guided Bend, V-Bend for cold rolled sheet,
unaided eye occurring on the convex surface of the specimen 3.1.2 Semi-guided Bend:
after bending, as specified by the product standard. Any cracks 3.1.2.1 Arrangement A, specimen held at one end.
within one thickness of the edge of the specimen are not 3.1.2.2 Arrangement B, for thin material.
considered a bend test failure. Cracks occurring in the corners 3.1.2.3 Arrangement C, mandrel contact force in the bend.
of the bent portion shall not be considered significant unless 3.1.3 Free-Bend:
they exceed the size specified for corner cracks in the product 3.1.3.1 Type 1, 180° bend.
standard. 3.1.3.2 Type 2, bend flat on itself.
3.1.4 Bend and Flatten:
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. Inch-pound values given in parentheses were used in 3.2 A guided-bend test for ductility of welds is described in
establishing test parameters and are for information only. Method E190 and may be used for flat-rolled materials when
specified by the product standard. The essential features of this
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
bending method are employed in 3.1.1.2, Guided Bend,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
U-Bend.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.3 Bend tests are made in one of two directions relative to
the principal working direction employed in production pro-
1
cessing of the material.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.02 on
2
Ductility and Formability. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published June 2009. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E290 – 97a(2004) Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E0290-09. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E290 − 09
3.3.1 Longitudinal tests use a specimen with its long dimen-
sion aligned with the processing direction such that the bend is
formed across the processing direction, as shown in Fig. 1.
3.3.2 Transverse tests use a specimen with the long dimen-
sion perpendicular to the processing direction so that the bend
axis is aligned with the processing direction, as shown in Fig.
2. The axis of bend is the center of the bend radius.
3.3.3 Thin sheet products are generally produced by reduc-
ing the thickness of stock in rolling mills and from this the term
rolling direction is used to identify the principal processing NOTE 1—Arrow indicates direction of processing.
FIG. 2 Transverse Bend Test
direction. Similarly, a product produced in coil form may have
the processing direction referred to as the coiling direction.
3.4 The location of the force application to the specimen 3.6.1.1 The distance between supports (C) shall be three
relative to the bend itself and the amount of bending differen- thicknesses plus twice the plunger radius, with a tolerance of
tiate the four methods of bending covered in these test one-half thickness, as shown in Fig. 3.
methods. The two semi-guided bend test procedures provide 3.6.1.2 When female dies are used for U-bend and V-bend,
radiused surfaces over which the bend is formed. The results they shall conform approximately to the geometries shown in
obtained by different test procedures may not be the same, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6.
especially for material with a tendency to crack or fracture. 3.6.2 The surfaces of the supports and plunger shall be
3.5 The test is completed when the designated angle of hardened to at least 20 HRC. Refer to Test Methods E18.
bend, or other specified condition, has been reached. 3.6.3 The supports can be fixed or free to rotate. A lubricant
3.5.1 If a defined amount of cracking is permitted by the may be applied to the supports and plunger.
product standard, the convex surface of the bend region is 3.6.4 The width of the guided-bend fixture, including the
examined for cracks and surface irregularities. supports and plunger, shall be such that the bend region of the
3.5.2 Surface irregularities, such as orange peel, loss of specimen is subject to the bending force across its width (w)
coating adherence, or imperfections resulting from the bend, during bending.
shall be noted as required by the product specification. 3.6.5 When the thickness or strength of the specimen, or
capacity of the guided-bend test fixture (shown in Fig. 3) does
3.6 Guided Bend—The guided-bend test is made by sup-
not produce the required amount of bending, the specimen can
porting the specimen near each end on pins, rollers, or flat
be removed from the fixture and the bend completed by
surfaces with appropriate end radii and applying a force
applying force against the ends of the specimen, as shown
through a pin, mandrel, plunger, or male die midway between
schematically in Fig. 7. A spacer with a thickness equal to
two supports, as shown schematically in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5,
twice the required bend radius is inserted at the location of the
and Fig. 6 until the desired bend is formed. No force is applied
bend. The edges at the ends shall be constrained so the
directly to the outer face of the bend when no female die is
specimen cannot eject from the fixture under the bending force.
used (3.1.1.1). Some force may be applied by the female die to
3.6.6 Surface cracks and imperfections resulting from the
the outer face of the bend in the case of U-bend (3.1.1.2) and
bend shall be evaluated and reported.
V-bends (3.1.1.3 and 3.1.1.4). In some cases, for U-bend and
V-bends it may be necessary for the specimen to bottom out in 3.7 Semi-guided Bend—The semi-guided bend test employs
the female die to ensure the correct amount of bending. a constraining force on the inside of the bend during the
3.6.1 The radii of the plunger and of the two supports shall initiation of the bending and continuing until the final bend
be defined in the product specification as related to the condition is achieved.
thickness (t) of the specimen being tested. A clearance of three 3.7.1 The semi-guided bend test is made by applying a force
thickness with a tolerance of one half thickness shall be transversely to the specimen’s long axis in the portion that is
provided between the pins, plunger, and specimen in the initial being bent.
bend fixture. 3.7.2 The angle of bend in the semi-guided bend test is
measured while the specimen is held stationary under the force
forming the bend.
3.7.3 The location of the bend along the length of the
specimen is unimportant. The specimen is clamped or sup-
ported by one of the methods shown schematically in Figs.
8-10. It is possible that different results will be obtained with
the use of different devices. The method used shall be
described in the test report on the ductility of the material being
evaluated.
3.7.4 Arrangement A—One End Held—Arrangement A in-
volves holding one end of the semi-guided bend specimen and
NOTE 1—Arrow indicates direction of processing. applying a force transversely near the free end as in Fig. 8. The
FIG. 1 Longitudinal Bend Test bend is formed around a stationary pin, mandrel, or roller of a

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 E290 − 09

NOTE 1—C = distance between lower supports,

r = radius of the end of the mandrel or plunger,
t = sheet specimen thickness,
d = round specimen diameter, and
w = sheet specimen width.
FIG. 3 Schematic Fixture for the Guided Bend, No Die Test

FIG. 4 Schematic Fixture for the Guided Bend, U-bend Test

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 E290 − 09

FIG. 5 Schematic Fixture for the Guided Bend, V- Bend Test

specified radius. Bending is continued until failure occurs or to as a wrap, but it is distinct from the wrap around wire test
the specified angle of bend has been achieved. described in Method E6.
3.7.5 Arrangement B—Thin Materials— Arrangement B is 3.7.7 Surface cracks and irregularities resulting from the
for semi-guided bend tests of thin specimens, and includes a bend shall be evaluated and reported.
support between the clamp and the bend radius, as shown
schematically in Fig. 9. No tension force is applied to the 3.8 Free-Bend—The free-bend test is made with no external
specimen during the bending. The results should be the same force applied to the specimen in the immediate area of the
for tests using either Arrangement A, or Arrangement B. bend.
3.7.6 Arrangement C—Mandrel Contact on Outer 3.8.1 The force to initiate bending for a free-bend test shall
Surface—Arrangement C employs a stationary pin, or mandrel, be applied at, or within one width distance from, the ends of the
over which the semi-guided bend specimen is bent by the force specimen. This may be done by gripping the specimen. If the
of a roller, or mandrel, in contact with the outer surface of the material is too stiff to respond to such force it shall be
bend (as shown schematically in Fig. 10). This may exert a supported at the mid-length (as shown schematically in Fig. 11)
small tension force in the bend. The test is sometimes referred

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 E290 − 09

FIG. 6 Schematic Fixture for the Guided Bend, V- Bend Test for Cold Rolled Sheet

FIG. 8 Schematic Fixture for Semi-Guided Bend Test Arrange-

ment A—One End Held—Force Applied Near Free End

FIG. 7 Schematic Fixture for Completing the Guided-Bend Test

Started as Shown in Fig. 3 3.8.2 The angle of a free-bend is measured once the
specimen has been removed from the bending fixture and is
over a span of at least the specimen width while the initial force under no constraining force. There is no radius of bend
is applied near the two ends of the specimen. measurement required for a free-bend test.

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 E290 − 09
3.8.4 Type 2-Free Bend (Flat on Itself Bend)—The legs of
the specimen are placed under flat platens and compressed to
contact no closer than one width of specimen distance from the
outer extension of the bend (as shown schematically in Fig.
13).
3.8.5 The bending force is more severe in a Type 2-Free-
Bend test than in a Type 1-Free-Bend test. For this reason, the
type of bending used shall be described in the report.
3.8.6 Materials that age harden at room temperature shall be
tested within the allowed period of time, as defined in the
product standard.
3.8.7 After completing the free-bend, the surface is exam-
ined for cracks and imperfections.
FIG. 9 Arrangement B for Semi-Guided Bend Test of Thin 3.9 Bend and Flatten—For the bend and flatten test for
Specimens—One End Held ductility, an initial 180° bend is made as described in 3.8.1 and
3.8.3. The specimen is then placed between two parallel
platens extending beyond the bent portion of the specimen and
wider than the specimen width.
3.9.1 Force is exerted to clamp the specimen and cause the
two legs to contact at the bend, exclusive of the eye of the bend
(as shown schematically in Fig. 14).
3.9.2 Examination for cracks in the outer surface of the bend
is done after removing the specimen from the bending force
and allowing springback. The allowed number and size of
FIG. 10 Schematic Fixture for Semi-Guided Bend Test Arrange- cracks on the outer surface of the bend shall be as specified in
ment C—One End Held—Force Applied Near Mandrel the product standard.
3.9.3 Any surface imperfections resulting from the bend test
shall be noted and reported.

4. Significance and Use

4.1 Bend tests for ductility provide a simple way to evaluate
the quality of materials by their ability to resist cracking or
other surface irregularities during one continuous bend. No
reversal of the bend force shall be employed when conducting
these tests.
4.2 The type of bend test used determines the location of the
FIG. 11 Free Bend Support and Force forces and constraints on the bent portion of the specimen,
ranging from no direct contact to continuous contact.
4.3 The test can terminate at a given angle of bend over a
3.8.3 Type 1-Free-Bend–180° Bend—The bending is initi- specified radius or continue until the specimen legs are in
ated as described in 3.8.1 and is then continued until a 180° contact. The bend angle can be measured while the specimen is
bend is developed by applying force to bring the legs of the under the bending force (usually when the semi-guided bend
specimen to a parallel position (as shown schematically in Fig. test is employed), or after removal of the force as when
12).

NOTE 1—The distance from the clamping platens to the outer bend shall
not be less than the width (w) of the bend specimen.
FIG. 12 Type 1 180° Free Bend FIG. 13 Type 2 Flat-on-Itself Free Bend

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 E290 − 09
side of the specimen to make it conform to the pin, or mandrel,
as shown schematically in Fig. 10.
5.4 Free Bend Tests—No bending force is applied directly to
the bend area in a free bend test during the final bending. An
initial bend can be made using a semi-guided bend device.
5.4.1 A uniaxial force, such as a clamping vise, or a
compression testing machine, is used to bend the specimen. A
support (as shown in Fig. 11) may be necessary to initiate the
FIG. 14 Bend and Flatten bend. No tension loading along the length of the specimen is
permitted.
5.5 Bend and Flatten Test—The outer surfaces of the legs of
the specimen in the flat sections near the bend are subjected to
performing a free-bend test. Product requirements for the a compressive force during a flattening test.
material being tested determine the method used. 5.5.1 The test is initiated in the same manner as the free
4.4 Materials with an as-fabricated cross section of rectan- bend. A compressive force is then applied to the bend portion
gular, round, hexagonal, or similar defined shape can be tested of the specimen. The force shall be sufficient to close the eye
in full section to evaluate their bend properties by using the of the bend until the two outer surfaces of the bend are parallel,
procedures outlined in these test methods, in which case exclusive of the outer radius of the bend (as shown in Fig. 14.)
relative width and thickness requirements do not apply.
5.6 The radius of any pin, mandrel, or roller, used in each
arrangement of the several bend test methods shall not differ by
5. Apparatus
more than 6 5 % of the specified nominal value for the radius.
5.1 To prevent the introduction of uncontrolled forces while
5.7 The length of all pins, mandrels, rollers, and radiused
accomplishing the bend, the following clamping and force
flats used in bend testing shall exceed the width of the
application devices shall be used.
specimen. They shall be strong enough and sufficiently rigid to
5.2 Guided-Bend Test—The shape of the material during resist significant deformation.
bending is controlled by employing a pair of pins, rollers, or
flat surfaces with end radii, to support the specimen while a 6. Sampling
guided plunger bends the material at its mid-length, as shown
schematically in Fig. 3. A more detailed description of a fixture 6.1 Sampling for a bend test shall be performed in accor-
used for this test is given in Method E190. dance with the requirements of relevant standards, specifica-
5.2.1 When the guided-bend test is to be finished by bending tions, and codes.
through a 180° bend that cannot be achieved using the fixture
shown in Fig. 3 or Fig. 4, a fixture shown schematically in Fig. 7. Test Specimens
7 can be used to position the ends of the specimen and prevent 7.1 Specimens shall be selected from the material to be
it from being ejected while a compression force is applied to tested using one of the following procedures:
bring the legs of the specimen together until they are parallel to 7.1.1 Full-Cross-Section Specimens—If the smallest dimen-
each other. A spacer with a thickness equal to twice the sion of the cross-section is equal to or less than 38 mm (11⁄2
required radius is inserted at the bend to stop the force at the in.), the specimen can be of the full thickness provided there is
specified spacing. sufficient specimen length to permit bending to the specified
5.3 Semi-guided Bend Tests—For a semi-guided bend, the angle.
inside of the bend is controlled by contact with a pin or 7.1.2 Full-Thickness Specimens—Any material that is tested
mandrel having a defined radius. for ductility in the as-fabricated condition may be subjected to
5.3.1 Semi-guided Bend—Arrangement A—This arrange- a bend test, provided the specimen width and length are
ment involves holding one end of the specimen while a sufficient.
reaction pin, or mandrel, bears against the specimen at an 7.1.2.1 When it is not practicable to test full-cross-section
intermediate location, usually the mid-length. A device (as specimens, but when it is still practicable to test full-thickness
shown schematically in Fig. 8) is used to apply the bending specimens from materials not exceeding 38 mm (11⁄2 in.)
force near the free end of the specimen. nominal thickness, the specimens shall be of the thickness of
5.3.2 Semi-guided Bend—Arrangement B for thin the material and the ratio of width to thickness shall be either:
material—The specimen is placed against a support with a (a) (a) 2:1, provided that the minimum width shall be 18
suitable end radius and clamped in a bench vise, as shown mm (3⁄4 in.) regardless of thickness.
schematically in Fig. 9. This controls the location of the bend (b) (b) 8:1, or greater for thin sheet where it is impractical
away from the clamping force. to use specimens of type (a).
5.3.3 Semi-guided Bend—Arrangement C—The specimen is 7.1.2.2 A width of 38 mm (11⁄2 in.) may be used for bend
held at one end while a reaction pin, or mandrel, contacts the tests of steel products tested in the as-finished thickness.
inside surface of the specimen at the location of the bend. A 7.1.2.3 Laboratories using 20 mm wide blanks for preparing
rotating device applies the bending force against the opposite tension test specimens may perform the bend test using a

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 E290 − 09
similar 20 mm wide specimen. Refer to Test Methods E8/E8M. 8.1.3 For round specimens machined from sections other
Refer to Test MethodsE8/E8M for the use of –3⁄4 in. wide than round sections, the surface of the specimen shall be
blanks. parallel to the surface of the parent product.
7.1.3 The length of the specimen shall be sufficient to permit 8.2 Surface Subjected to Tension—In tests of reduced-
bending to the specified angle without introducing external thickness specimens, the tension surface shall be the as-
constraining forces that would adversely affect the bend test fabricated surface of the section.
results. The test specimen width-to-thickness ratio can affect
bend ductility. 8.3 Procedure for the Guided-Bend Test:
7.1.4 Machined Surface of Specimens—For materials ex- 8.3.1 Place the specimen over two rounded supports sepa-
ceeding 13 mm (1⁄2 in.) in nominal thickness, distance across rated by a clearance (C) equal to (2r + 3t), 6 (t/2), as shown
flats, or diameter, the specimen may be machined from the in Fig. 3, where (r) is the radius of the plunger or mandrel and
material when full-section, or full-thickness specimens are not (t) is the specimen thickness.
used. The thickness, or diameter, of the specimen shall be at 8.3.2 Bend the specimen by applying a force through a
least 13 mm (1⁄2 in.). The ratio of width to thickness of plunger or mandrel in contact with the specimen at the
rectangular specimens shall be 2:1, and the length sufficient to mid-length between supports (C/2) on the opposite side of the
permit bending to the angle specified. specimen from the end supports. Apply the bending force
7.1.5 When machined specimens must be bent around a smoothly and without shock.
stated axis with respect to the major dimensions of the product, 8.3.3 Continue bending until failure occurs, or until the
the axis of bending shall be suitably marked on the specimen. specified angle of bend, or maximum angle for the fixture is
7.1.6 When samples are taken by core drilling, a 13mm by achieved. The angle of bend is measured while the specimen is
13 mm (1⁄2 in. by 1⁄2 in.) square cross section specimen may be under the bending force.
machined from the core to make a bend test specimen. 8.3.4 When the required angle cannot be achieved in the
7.1.7 One major surface of rectangular specimens of re- bend fixture shown in Fig. 3, complete the test by pressing the
duced thickness shall be an as-fabricated surface of the section. specimen between suitable platens until the specified condi-
tions of bend are obtained, as shown in Fig. 7. Apply the force
7.2 Surface Finishing of Specimen Edges—The longitudinal
smoothly, without shock. When it is desired not to exceed 180°
edges of a rectangular specimen may be rounded to a radius not
of bend while completing the bend, place between the two legs
exceeding 1.5 mm (1⁄16 in.) for specimens equal to or less than
of the specimen a spacer having a thickness twice the required
50 mm (2 in.), and rounded to a radius not exceeding 3 mm (1⁄8
bend radius.
in.) for specimens over 50 mm (2 in.) in thickness. Flame cut
surfaces shall be machined to remove metal affected by the 8.4 Procedures for Semi-Guided Bend Tests:
flame cutting. Sheared edge surfaces shall be either machined 8.4.1 The procedure for performing the test shall follow one
or smoothed with a belt sander, file, or similar abrasive, to of three methods: A—Held End, B—Bend Area Supported, or
remove metal affected by the shearing. C—Mandrel Guided. Refer to 3.7 and 5.3.
8.4.2 Held-End—Arrangement A:
7.3 Determination of Test Direction for Specimens from
Wrought Materials: 8.4.2.1 Securely hold one end of the specimen so that the
7.3.1 For a longitudinal test specimen, the length shall be axis of bending lies on the centerline of the reaction pin or
parallel to the direction of rolling, forging, stretching, drawing, roller.
or extrusion (as indicated in Fig. 1). Refer to 3.3.1. 8.4.2.2 Bend the specimen by employing a fixture embody-
7.3.2 For a transverse test specimen, the length shall be at an ing the appropriate features shown in Fig. 8.
angle of 90° to the direction of rolling, forging, drawing, or 8.4.2.3 Apply the bending force smoothly, without shock.
extrusion (as indicated in Fig. 2). Refer to 3.3.2. 8.4.2.4 Continue bending until the specified angle of bend is
achieved with the specimen in the bend fixture and under the
7.4 Marking for Identification: bending force, or until failure occurs.
7.4.1 Specimens shall be stamped or otherwise suitably 8.4.3 Arrangement B—Bend Area Supported—Thin Mate-
identified. rial:
7.4.2 The identification shall be near the end of the speci- 8.4.3.1 Hold one end of the specimen securely against the
men when practicable. bend support by clamping in a vise, as shown in Fig. 9. The
7.4.3 No stamping or marking shall be done in the bend support shall extend a minimum of two specimen widths
region of the specimen. beyond the clamp.
8.4.3.2 Using a mallet, hammer the specimen over the
8. Procedure rounded edge of the support. Do not strike the specimen in an
8.1 Direction of Test: area that will form any part of the bend.
8.1.1 In tests of longitudinal specimens, the axis of the bend 8.4.3.3 Continue bending until the specified angle of bend is
shall be 90° to the direction of rolling, forging, drawing, or achieved or failure occurs. When hammer blows are the source
extrusion, as shown in Fig. 1. Refer to 3.3.1. of the bending force, the angle of bend shall be measured under
8.1.2 In tests of transverse specimens, the axis of the bend no force.
shall be parallel to the direction of rolling, forging, drawing, or 8.4.3.4 In case of dispute, the Held-End Arrangement A of
extrusion, as shown in Fig. 2. Refer to 3.3.2. 8.4.2 shall be used.

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 E290 − 09
8.4.4 Mandrel-guided Bend—Arrangement C:
8.4.4.1 Securely clamp one end of the specimen, as shown
schematically in Fig. 10.
8.4.4.2 Place a reaction pin, with the specified bend radius
(r) against the specimen. If the thickness of the specimen has
been reduced by machining, the machined surface is to be
placed against the pin. For bend angles of 180° or less, a NOTE 1—Bend and flatten bend of material in which the eye of the bend
radiused surface may be substituted for the pin. collapsed, relieving strain on the outer surface of the bend during the Bend
and Flatten test.
8.4.4.3 Hold a second mandrel in contact with the opposite FIG. 15 Bend and Flatten Test (Eye of the Bend Collapsed)
surface of the specimen and rotate this mandrel under force in
an arc to maintain the inside of the bend surface against the first
mandrel. The radius of the second mandrel is not critical and
can be of any convenient size. The second mandrel can employ
a roller as the contact surface with the specimen.
8.4.4.4 Continue bending until the material successfully
reaches the specified angle or until failure in the bend occurs.
The angle of bend is measured while the specimen is under the NOTE 1—Bend and flatten bend of material in which the eye of the bend
bending force. did not collapse, and the outer surface of the bend split open as cracks
formed in two places during the Bend and Flatten test.
8.5 Procedures for Free-Bend Tests:
8.5.1 Initiate the bend by grasping the specimen near each FIG. 16 Bend and Flatten Test (Eye of the Bend Did Not Collapse)
end and bringing the ends toward each other, provided the
material is sufficiently ductile. If the material does not bend 8.7 Examination of the Surface of the Bend—The bend
easily, use a device such as that shown in Fig. 11 to initiate the specimen may be removed at any time during the bending
bend. Refer to 3.8 and 5.4. operation for inspection of the convex surface of the bend for
8.5.2 Type 1-Free Bend Test—Continue bending the speci- the presence of cracks or irregularities. Subsequent bending
men under force in a clamping device until the two legs are shall be continued immediately following the examination.
parallel as shown in Fig. 12. This completes the Type 1, 180°, 8.8 Angle of Bend—The angle of bend is determined by the
free bend test. projection of lines with the flat surfaces of the specimen
8.5.3 Type 2-Free Bend Test—If the test requirement is that outside of the bend region and is the intersecting angle of these
the two legs be in contact, the force of the clamping device is lines. When the bending is completed, the radius of the bend
increased until the condition shown in Fig. 13 is reached, throughout the bend region, under no force unless specified
without applying force at any location less than one specimen otherwise, shall not be smaller than the required value specified
width from the outer end of the bend. This is referred to as a in the product standard.
Type 2, flat-on-itself, free bend test. 8.8.1 Springback, when the bending force is released, will
cause the radius and angle of bend to increase. No adjustment
8.6 Procedure for the Bend and Flatten Test:
in the bend angle shall be made to adjust for springback.
8.6.1 Form an initial bend to an angle of approximately 8.8.2 If the material collapses by a localized kink, the test is
180° using the procedure outlined in 8.5.1. Refer to 3.8.1 and not valid. An alternative procedure shall be used to control the
5.4.1. inside bend radius.
8.6.2 Place the specimen between two platens that will 8.8.3 The test is complete when the specified conditions of
cover the bent portion of the specimen. Apply force until the bend are achieved. If significant cracks appear in the outer
specimen is flattened as shown in Fig. 14. surface of the bend while the bending force is being applied,
8.6.3 The flattening operation may develop longitudinal the test shall be stopped and the material shall be evaluated
strains exceeding the forming limit of the material. This is according to the appropriate product standard.
dependent on the material and the specimen thickness. 8.8.4 Cracks occurring in the corners of the bent portion
8.6.3.1 Bending followed by flattening imposes extreme shall not be considered significant unless they exceed the size
outer fiber stresses and the material may show external specified for corner cracks. If no crack size is specified, corner
cracking in the bend or there may be compressive failure of the cracks not exceeding the nominal thickness of the specimen
inside surface of the eye of the bend. shall not be considered a failure.
8.6.3.2 The outer fiber strain is reduced when the inside of 8.8.5 In tests required by produce specifications, the test
the bend collapses, as shown in Fig. 15, since this reduces the may be considered completed when the acceptance conditions
amount of stretching of the outer surface. This may be have been met.
sufficient to avoid surface cracks on the outer surface of the 8.9 Speed of Bending—The rate of motion in forming a bend
bend. shall conform to that of the anticipated process application of
8.6.3.3 If the inside of the bend does not collapse, it is the material being tested. When no rate is specified, the test
possible for excessive strains to develop that cause the outer shall be conducted at a rate consistent with safe practice for the
surface of the bend to crack, as shown in Fig. 16. method.

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 E290 − 09
9. Evaluation 10.1.2 Size and type of specimen (Section 7),
9.1 Examine the convex surface of the bent specimen for 10.1.3 Type of test (Section 8),
cracks or other open defects, using the unaided eye (without 10.1.4 Radius used to form the bend,
magnification). Edge cracks associated with sample prepara- 10.1.5 If lubricated, type of lubrication,
tion shall not be considered during the evaluation. Refer to 10.1.6 Angle of bend,
8.8.4. 10.1.7 Number and size of any visible cracks in the bend,
9.1.1 When the test is conducted as an acceptance criterion, and
the allowable crack size shall be specified by the code or 10.1.7.1 When the test is conducted for informational pur-
specification requiring the test. poses, report the size and location of any and all cracks visible
9.1.2 Material that is susceptible to age hardening shall be to the unaided eye.
tested within the time allowed by the product specification. 10.1.8 Whether the specimen passed or failed to meet the
requirements.
9.1.3 Surface irregularities, loss of coating adherence, or
other discontinuity developed by the bend test shall be evalu- 11. Precision and Bias
ated according to the appropriate product specification.
11.1 No information is presented about either the precision
9.1.4 Surface disturbances, such as orange peel, that de-
or bias of Test Method E290 for measuring ductility by
velop during a bend test, where there is no penetration of the
bending, since the test is non-quantitative.
surface, are not considered a crack failure.
12. Keywords
10. Report 12.1 bend; crack; ductility; flattened bend; forming limit;
10.1 Report the following information: fracture; free bend; guided bend; mandrel; pin; plunger; roller
10.1.1 Specimen identification,

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