Welding Positions Types: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G

Welding may seem like a basic process, but it involves different details and features for performing well. There are different methods for providing the right welding. There are different positions used for welding that affect the strength and appearance of the final assembly. Since different positions are used for welding, each comes with its own features and techniques for applying that position. Here we will cover details for different welding positions. So let’s get started with welding positions and joint types.

Table of Contents

What is a welding position?

The welding position is a method for making connections of metals at different angles. Normally, a welder uses 5 welding positions that are horizontal, vertical, overhead, flat, and inclined.
Commonly used positions are grooves and fillets that can perform in 5 different positions, and other uses are one or two positions.

Different Welding Positions

Flat Position

Flat welding is an easy-to-use position for welding since it is according to gravity. In this technique, the welder locates the working component on the floor, so it is called the flat position.
It is an easy and accessible position since we do not work against gravity. Tip angle, consistent motion, and flame position are important for performing this position.
Set tip at a 45-degree angle with the plate surface.
In a flat position, the weld puddle passes into the joint in fluid conditions. The molten metal can be at a higher temperature than normal and provide a high deposition rate as a result of gravity; the metal draws the metal downward at the joint.

Horizontal welding position

In this welding position, the welding axis lies in a horizontal direction. Welding in a horizontal position has many of the same features as flat welding position has. We can perform any welding work in a horizontal position.
The 2G weld position is more difficult than the 2F weld position. The 2G weld occurs in the central part of the working component, where it is difficult to control the weld puddle, and 2F provides a lower shield for providing control on the weld puddle.
For handling the effect of gravity on the weld puddle for the horizontal groove weld, set the upper angle of the joint with the working angle and check the puddle sag.
For horizontal fillet welds, set a 45-degree angle to the joint for setting heat where two components are joining.
Do not use high temperature in horizontal welding to avoid puddle from becoming fluid.

Vertical Position:

In this welding position, the weld axis is in a vertical position and is in an up or down state vertically. We can set any flame angle for controlling metallic flow with a 90-degree angle, good for 3G welding and a 45-degree angle used for 3F welding.
The main focus for vertical position is that puddle manipulation is performed through changes in motion to zigzag, triangular motion, or upside down.
The working component and weld are 90 degrees to each other. 3F is the vertical fillet position, and 3G is the vertical groove. The main problem with doing this is that the weld is molten metal moving downward and accumulating.

Overhead welding position

Overhead welding is used for fixed instruments and immovable metals. Operators are lying on the ground of their workplace for overhead welding. It is important for finding a comfortable position with different movements.
A similar process used for vertical welding was also applied for overhead welding. The 4G welding needed a weave of the weld puddle for wash in a comfortable way, like a vertical weld.
For running cooler with overhead welds, you need to dial back features. It avoids weld puddle changes to fluid and falling out of the weld joint. In the overhead welding position, sparks also move downward.
So there is a need for more protection on the head, like using a welding helmet to avoid any damage. You can also use a leather welding jacket for processes like stick welding that cause sparks and spatter.

Inclined Position:

In this position, the working component lies on an inclined plane, and gravity results in molten metal flowing downward in a flat direction. The small arc generated accurate beads for inclined positions.

5G Welding Position:

The 5G pipe welding position is employed when the pipe lies in a stable horizontal axis and is not moved. Two techniques used for this welding position are 5G uphill and 5G downhill.
The 5G uphill welder started from an overhead position and moved to a horizontal and then flat position.
While in a downhill position, welders started from a flat position, moved to a horizontal position, and ended with an overhead position.

6G Welding Position

The 6G is a difficult welding position, and like 5G, but in this process, the pipe is adjusted at 45 degrees. The 6G position needed 3 welds: horizontal, flat, and vertical.
The main difficult process is due to the metal flowing downward or at 90 degrees. It is also called overhead welding. The 6G welding process is used for making and connecting pipes and pipelines in oil and gas plants and is also used for industries like pipes and pipelines.

Different Welding Position Comparison

Position	Difficulty	Uses	Skill
1G	Low	Simple fabrication	Basic control
2G	Medium	Side structures	Pool handling
3G	Medium-High	Vertical parts	Speed and weaving
4G	High	Overhead repairs	Overhead process
5G	High	Pipe systems	Multi-position skill
6G	Extreme	High-end engineering	All-around mastery

How to Choose the Right Welding Position

There are different factors used for finding an accurate welding position. Mostly it is preferred to use flat position since it is an easy process and provides clean welding in flat conditons and we can use larger electrodes for increased efficiency.

But it is not always used since it is a safe procedural, for that position.

For welding processes on building or bridges, do welding on larger structures so it is not possible to weld in this position.

For welding in a small part of the pipe, it is good to roll out a set position where tools can easily move for the pipe and make a weld in 1G position.

FAQs

What is 5G in welding?

5G in welding is pipe welding performed on a straight surface. That welding uses 3 welding positions, like flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

What is 1F 2F 3F 4F welding?

F is fillet welt and numbers 1,2,3,4,5 are welding positions. 1F defines that flat fillet position, 2F is horizontal fillet position, 3F is vertical fillet position, and 4F is overhead fillet position.
1F : (flat welding position)
2F : (horizontal welding position)
3F : (vertical welding position)
4F : (welding position overhead or overhead)

What is the welding code?