Welding Position Chart File

Disclaimer: Always follow your specific WPS and safety guidelines. Positions can vary slightly for pipe welding (5G, 6G), but the principles above cover 95% of structural plate work.

A is a standard technical reference used by welders and engineers to define the orientation of a weld joint and the movement required by the welder. Standardized by organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) , these positions are critical for choosing the right electrode, setting power parameters, and determining welder certification requirements. How to Read a Welding Position Chart welding position chart

Welding positions are identified by a combination of a (representing the position) and a letter (representing the type of weld). Qualimet The Core Numbering System The number in

. Qualimet The Core Numbering System The number in a welding code indicates the orientation of the workpiece: EZIIL 1: Flat (easiest, gravity helps the puddle) 2: Horizontal 3: Vertical 4: Overhead (most difficult, fighting gravity) 5 & 6: Fixed pipe positions (used for advanced certifications) Fillet vs. Groove Welds The letter following the number specifies the type of joint you are working on: ESAB +1 F (Fillet Weld): Applied to the corner of two metal pieces (like T-joints or Lap joints). G (Groove Weld): Applied to the gap or "groove" between two pieces (like Butt joints). Lincoln Tech Quick Reference Welding Position Chart Position Code Position Name Joint Type Description 1F Flat Fillet Fillet The weld is performed from the top side of the joint. 1G Flat Groove Groove The workpiece is flat; the electrode points downward. 2F Horizontal Fillet Fillet The weld is on a horizontal surface against a vertical surface. 2G Horizontal Groove Groove The weld axis is horizontal; the face is in a vertical plane. 3F Vertical Fillet Fillet The weld axis is vertical; can be "uphill" or "downhill." 3G Vertical Groove Groove The plate is vertical; the weld progresses vertically. 4F Overhead Fillet Fillet The weld is performed from the underside of the joint. 4G Overhead Groove Groove The most challenging; performed above the welder's head. 5G Fixed Pipe Groove The pipe is horizontal and fixed; the welder moves around it. 6G Inclined Pipe Groove The pipe is fixed at a 45° angle; the "gold standard" of tests. Why the Position Matters Mastering different positions is essential because welding parameters —like amperage, travel speed, and electrode angle—must change to prevent the molten metal from sagging or dripping. While MIG and Stick welding are versatile, certain positions like

The welding position chart is a universal language that defines skill level and technical capability. While 1G is an excellent starting point, the goal for any career welder is to master the fixed positions—specifically 5G and 6G. Mastering these positions proves that you have the technical skill to control a molten puddle against the laws of physics, ensuring the safety and durability of the structures and pipelines we rely on every day.

These apply to butt joints, beveled plates, or pipe.