Scribd
Upload
292 views2 pages

Lesson 3. Welding Positions

The document discusses the different welding positions and how they affect the welding process. There are four main positions: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. The flat position is the easiest as gravity helps the molten metal flow into the joint. The horizontal position is more difficult due to working in an unnatural position. In the vertical position, gravity causes the metal to pile up, so an upward or downhill technique is used to counteract this. The overhead position is the most challenging as the molten metal tends to sag, so the puddle must be kept small.

Uploaded by

Ella Mae
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
292 views2 pages

Lesson 3. Welding Positions

The document discusses the different welding positions and how they affect the welding process. There are four main positions: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. The flat position is the easiest as gravity helps the molten metal flow into the joint. The horizontal position is more difficult due to working in an unnatural position. In the vertical position, gravity causes the metal to pile up, so an upward or downhill technique is used to counteract this. The overhead position is the most challenging as the molten metal tends to sag, so the puddle must be kept small.

Uploaded by

Ella Mae
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

WELDING POSITIONS

The welding position refers to the position of the welding operator towards the workpiece to
be welded. Because of gravity, the welding position affects the flow of molten filler metal. It’s
important to understand the types of welding positions as different welding processes require
to be performed at a certain position of the welder.

FLAT POSITION (1G AND 1F)


The easiest type to perform is the flat position, which is also sometimes called the downhand
position. It involves welding on the top side of the joint. In this position, the molten metal is
drawn downward into the joint. The result is a faster and easier weld.
In 1G and 1F, the number 1 refers to the flat position, while the letter G stands for a groove
weld and letter F stands for a fillet weld.
HORIZONTAL POSITION (2G AND 2F)
This is an out of position welding position. It’s a more difficult position compared to the flat
position and it requires more skill from the welding operator to do them well.
2G is a groove weld position that involves placing the weld axis in a horizontal plane or
approximately horizontal. As for the face of the weld, it should lie in an approximately vertical
plane.
2F is a fillet weld position, in which the welding is done on the upper side of the surfaces that is
approximately horizontal that lies against a surface that is approximately vertical. In this
position, the torch is usually held at a 45-degree angle.
VERTICAL POSITION (3F AND 3G)
In this position, both the plate and the weld lie vertically or almost vertically. The 3F and 3G
refer to vertical fillet and vertical groove positions.
When welding vertically, the force of gravity pushes the molten metal downward and so it has
the tendency to pile up. To counteract this, you can use either an upward or downhill vertical
position.
To control this in the upward vertical position, point the flame upward, holding it at a 45-
degree angle to the plate. This way, the welder will use the metal from the lower parts of the
workpiece to weld against the force of gravity.
In the downhill position, the metal from the upper parts and the electric arc’s kinetic force are
used.
OVERHEAD POSITION
In this position, welding is carried from the underside of the joint. It’s the most complicated and
difficult position to work in. The 4G and 4F positions stand for groove and fillet welds
respectively.
In the overhead position, the metal deposited to the joint tends to sag on the plate, resulting in
a bead with a higher crown. To prevent this, keep the molten puddle small. If the weld puddle
becomes too large, remove the flame for a moment in order to allow the molten metal to cool.
The positions flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead are the basic types of welding positions.
However, they do not adequately describe pipe welding positions. Pipe welding can be done
under many different requirements. These positions we’ll cover in a separate article.

You might also like