AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

During a guided bend test, the welding inspector primarily observes the quality of fusion in the weld. This test is designed to evaluate the integrity and soundness of a welded joint by bending a specimen that has been welded. As the specimen is subjected to bending, any defects such as incomplete fusion, porosity, or cracks may be revealed.

The quality of fusion specifically assesses how well the base metals and the filler material have melted and combined during the welding process. A proper fusion is critical because it ensures that the welded joint can withstand the applied stresses without failing. If there are issues with fusion, such as lack of fusion or cold lap, they will often manifest as weaknesses during the bend test, potentially leading to failure at lower stress levels than expected.

While penetration, cold lap, and tensile strength are also important factors in weld quality, they are not the primary focus of the guided bend test. The test's aim is to directly observe the extent to which the materials have fused together, which is why it is essential for understanding the overall weld integrity.