I can see bending when something mechanical is performing the welding...ie. stud gun, robotic machine, etc.
Makes perfect sense to qualify the mechanized application each time the rig is setup and run to ensure that it is working properly.
Back in the Commentary, it mentions testing "pre-production" to ensure the lift, plunge, amperage, time, technique-gun operator, 360° flash...etc. is performing okay at the time and if any of those change to retest to ensure that it is still performing okay. I understand all of that, but when you have manually welded studs it is just a matter of welding a fillet weld around the base of the stud, you aren't testing the equipment for 360° flash, lift, plunge etc.... As I stated before we don't typically bend field welded items that have fillet welds applied to them, ie base plates to columns to ensure the welds are sound. Haven't we tested the welder when he/she took their welding test and maintain continuity records to ensure the welder is compliant with the code to place fillet welds?