ISO 5173:2009 specifies a method for making transverse root, face and side bend tests on test specimens taken from butt welds, butt welds with cladding (subdivided into welds in clad plates and clad welds) and cladding without butt welds, in order to assess ductility and/or absence of imperfections on or near the surface of the test specimen. It also gives the dimensions of the test specimen.

In addition ISO 5173:2009 specifies a method for making longitudinal root and face bend tests to be used instead of transverse bend tests for heterogeneous assemblies when base materials and/or filler metal have a significant difference in their physical and mechanical properties in relation to bending.

ISO 5173:2009 applies to metallic materials in all forms of product with welded joints made by any fusion arc welding process.