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The Four Welding positions
Welding is a very broad topic as there are several welding types out there. Having an outlook on welding positions you are expected to already have knowledge of welding operation.
Welding positions are the posture at which a welder must utilize toward the workpiece to be welded. Due to gravity, welding positions affects the flow of the molten electrode to the workpiece. For a good weld to be achieved, a welder is expected to have knowledge of various welding positions that will suit a specific operation.
Today I will be discussing the four basic types of welding positions which are expected to be carried out at a certain position of a welder.
Types of welding positions
The common type of weld performed in the fabrication world is Fillet and groove weld. These two welds can be obtained with the four basic welding positions which include: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Take your time to understand the explanation!
Flat position (1G and 1F)
Flat welding position is very easy to perform and it can be learnt within a short period of time. It is also known as down-hand position as it involves welding on the top side of the joint. The molten metal is drawn down into the joint, making a fast and easy welding process. number 1 is used to represent flat welding, indicating the first method and the G and F represent groove and fillet weld.
Horizontal position (2G and 2F)
The horizontal welding position is a little more difficult when compared to the flat welding position. A welder is expected to practice and perfect the position before performing it.
2G which is a groove weld is done by placing the weld axis in a horizontal plane or approximately horizontal. The face of the joint should be in an approximately vertical plane.
And of the fillet welding position which is 2G. the welding is done on the upper side of the surfaces which is approximately horizontal that lies against a surface that is approximately vertical. The welding torch is usually held at a 45-degree angle.
Vertical position (3F and 3G)
In the vertical welding position, the plate and the weld lie vertically or almost vertically. Force of gravity pushes the molten metal downward and having a tendency to it pile up. In another word, either upward or downhill vertical position can be implied.
In the upward vertical position, the flame is positioned upward, hold at a 45-degree angle to the plate. This will be achieved if the welder uses the metal from the lower parts of the workpiece to weld against the force of gravity. Whilst the downhill, the metal from the upper parts and the electric arc’s kinetic force are used.
The 3F and 3G are the vertical fillets and vertical groove positions.
Overhead position
This is the fourth welding position. It is performed form the underside of the joint area. Overhead welding position is the most complicated and difficult position. In this position the metal is deposited to the joint tends to sag on the plate, resulting in a bead with a higher crown. This can be prevented by applying small molten puddle to the joint. And if the weld puddle is too large, the flame should take off for some moment in order to make the molten metal to cool.
I hope you found this post interesting and you’ve attained knowledge. If so, you can freely give your point in our comment section and please share with other students. Thanks!
