During a bend test qualification, what defect constitutes a failure?

Study for the Gas Metal Arc Welding Exam, including GMAW, FCAW, and MCAW methods. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations for effective learning. Get ready for your welding certification!

In a bend test qualification, the essential check is whether the weld joint cracks when it’s bent. Cracking at or near the weld zone shows the weld lacks the required ductility and toughness to deform without fracturing, which means the joint would be unreliable in service. That brittle or under-ductile behavior is exactly what the bend test is designed to reveal, so cracking in the weld area is considered a failure.

If there are no cracks after bending, the joint has passed the test because it demonstrates adequate ductility and integrity under bending. Minor surface roughness without cracks isn’t a structural failure in this context, so it can be acceptable. Discoloration of the base metal alone doesn’t indicate a failure of the weld’s ability to withstand bending; it’s generally a heat-affected-zone appearance and not by itself a defect that causes the bend test to fail, unless it’s accompanied by cracks or other flaws.