Types of Welding Positions

Welding process is like an art, here the position of performing welding matters a lot, if the proper position is not followed then it can ruin the whole work piece. There are basically four types of welding positions: horizontal, vertical, flat and overhead. But further it is divided into six more categories 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G/6GR.

Let’s discuss these position in detail: 

The G here stands for the Groove weld, it is a kind of weld which is made in the groove, it requires full penetration for laying strong weld.

• 1G welding position: In this position the metal piece is put right below the torch and is performed for butt groove as well as for fillet weld. 1G position is a flat welding position. 

• 2G welding position: In this position the welder's body stays parallel to the metal piece while the welder welds the  remaining from the front position. 2G is a horizontal position.

• 3G welding position: In this position the angle of the torch remains at 45 degrees and the welder used the metal from the lower part. 3G is a vertical position.

• 4G welding position: In this position one of the tough and complex positions, here the welders holds the torch from below the metal piece. Welders need to set proper parameters before welding, it is an overhead position. 

• 5G welding position: In this position the welder needs to keep three ways in mind that the procedure starts from overhead then horizontal and finally the flat position. 5G position is generally used for pipe weldings.

• 6G/6GR welding position: In this position the filling metal flows downwards which creates difficulty. Here the welds are done in three different positions like horizontal, vertical and flat. This position is generally used for the pipelines.

The above mentioned positions are important to learn properly for welders to know before they go on-site.