WELDING POSITIONS

A welding position is a technique of joining metals from different angles.

1.?????? Flat Position

When the welder locates the work piece on the floor or workbench, the position is called the flat position. It is considered the most accessible position because you are not welding against gravity. When using the flat position, it’s best to maintain the tip angle, flame position, and consistent motion. The tip should be at a 45-degree angle with the plate surface.

In the flat position, the weld puddle goes?into the joint?evenly in a fluid state. The molten metal might be hotter than usual, and the deposition rate will be higher because gravity draws the metal downward at the joint. Every welding process can be done in a flat position.

2.?????? Horizontal Position

Welding axis stays horizontal during this process. For a 2F fillet weld, the welding is done on the upper side of the horizontal and vertical surfaces, and for a 2G groove weld, the welding is done on the vertical plane, and the face of the weld lies on the plane.

A 2G weld is slightly more challenging than a 2F weld since the weld puddle can sag. Gravity will take over if you run the molten metal too hot horizontally, so ensure the weld puddle is not too fluid. Compared to the flat position, the horizontal position needs more practice to perfect and is considered an out-of-position weld.

The 2F is a fillet weld position, with the torch angled at 45 degrees, and 2G is a groove weld position involving the weld axis in a horizontal plane and the weld face in a perpendicular plane.

3.?????? Vertical Position

In this process, the axis of the weld remains vertical–it can be vertically up or down. You can change the flame’s angle to control the metal flow, with the 90-degree angle suitable for 3G welding and the 45-degree angle for 3F welding. The primary consideration in the vertical position is puddle manipulation, and you can use a zigzag, upside-down, or triangular motion to do this.

The work piece and the weld are perpendicular or almost perpendicular in this welding position. 3F is the vertical fillet position, and 3G is the vertical groove. One issue when performing this weld is the molten metal flowing downward and accumulating.

4.?????? Overhead Position

When the welding is done from the lower surface of a joint, it is called the overhead position. The metal you deposit can sag, and the beads have higher crowns. Overhead welding is required when the work piece is fixed and cannot be moved.

The flame should be regulated, so the metal gets enough time to freeze quickly. The techniques of the vertical positions are also valid with overhead, but it is critical to be aware of the falling sparks as you weld.

The challenging overhead position is performed with the torch at a 45-degree angle, and the 4G and 4F welding positions are appropriate for groove and fillet welds. Remember, the metal can sag from the plate, causing a crown, so keep the molten metal puddle small to avoid this.

a.?????? Fixed (When welding piece is stationed)

b.?????? Rolled (When welding piece is moving)

5.?????? Inclined Position

The work piece is placed in an inclined plane, and gravity causes the molten metal to flow downward in a flat position. A small arc produces the proper beads in the inclined position.

5G Welding Position: The 5G pipe welding position is used when the pipe’s axis is stable horizontally and cannot be turned or rotated. Two methods exist to complete these welds: 5G uphill and 5G downhill. In the former, welders start from the overhead position, go to the horizontal, and finally to the flat position. In contrast, with the downhill position, welders start from the flat position, progress to the horizontal position, and end with the overhead position.

6G Welding Position: One of the most challenging welding positions, 6G is similar to 5G, but the pipe is positioned at 45° to the other. The 6G position requires three welds: horizontal, flat, and vertical.

The difficulty comes from filling metal flowing downward and the fact that in the vertical position, it is overhead welding. The 6G weld position is primarily used for fabricating and installing pipes and pipelines in oil and gas plants, industrial plants, and any industry using pipes and pipelines.