Shakil Mohammed

How to do Qualifications on Weld Positions? Qualifying on Pipes or Plates, Do they Matter?

7 min read

Weld-position-qualification-Inspection.Engineer

You know what welding positions mean, but are you aware of how to do the  Qualifications on plate and pipe Weld Positions and how to qualify on Pipes or Plates matter?

Table of contents

What Welding Position means?

During production welds, the welder may have to weld joints that may be in minimal accessibility positions and angles.  In addition, the final production welds should satisfy or exceed the strength and other property requirements.

In fact, a welder or an engineer should understand the flow of molten filler metal and welding process applicable for the best outcome. 

Welding position is that denotes how a welding operator to position himself towards the workpiece to be welded. Moreover, it may determine what welding process, methods, and techniques can be used.

What are the different Welding Positions?

The American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME, define four types of welding positions. They are

  1. Flat welding position (F)
  2. Horizontal welding position (H)
  3. Vertical welding position (V), and
  4. Overhead welding position (O)

Moreover, ASME Welder Qualification procedures states positions (QW-405) as an essential variable for welder and (QW-351) as demonstration of the welder’s ability to deposit a quality weld.

The Four Types of Plate Welding Positions

Now that we are clear on welding electrodes, from our previous posts about the classification of welds. Likewise, the welding position is determined by a number followed by a letter. Here, the letters “F” for fillet, “G” for Groove, and “S” are used for Stud welds.

  1. Flat welding positions – 1G / F
  2. Horizontal Welding Positions – 2G / F
  3. Vertical Welding Positions – 3G / F
  4. Overhead Welding Positions – 4G / F 

In other words, the numbers- 1 means a flat position, 2 a horizontal welding position, 3 a vertical position, 4 means an overhead position, where the remaining number 5 for horizontal fixed and 6 for the inclined position are applied in specific to piping welding positions. Where, G denotes Groove and F denotes Fillet joint designs.

Flat welding positions – 1G or 1F

A down-hand or flat weld position is when a welding is done from the top side of the joint with the head of the welder above the test coupon and the weld face is roughly horizontal. The face of the weld must be on top of the axis line if it is going to incline more than 15 degrees from the horizon.

Obviously, the flat welding position is easier and faster and the molten metal is drawn downward. A flat welding position is also known as a down-hand welding position.

The following image in Fig. 1 shows the welding positions used during welding.

Horizontal Welding Positions – 2G or 2F

Specifically, in the horizontal welding positions the weld axis is almost horizontal. Consequently, a more difficult position to use for welding.

Vertical Welding Positions – 3G or 3F

On the contrary, for vertical welding positions, the weld axis is almost horizontal, while plates lie vertically. Welding upward or downhill position is mostly recommended to avoid excess downward filler metal flow due to gravity. The two plates and the axis of the weld are inclined more than 15° aboutbenchtop the horizontal bench top.

Overhead Welding Positions – 4G or 4F

Likewise, when the welding is done from the underside of the joint, it is known as the overhead welding position. Moreover, It’s the most difficult position for a welder to work and the most complicated one. A bead with a high crown is a result of metal dropping on a plate in overhead welding positions.

The Four Types of Pipe Welding Positions

The positions, in general, are similar to above, except 3G and 4G positions. Here, in addition, the remaining number 5G and 6G position are added in specific to piping welding positions. There are four types of piping welding positions as below:

  1. Horizontal Rolled Position – 1G
  2. Vertical Position – 2G
  3. Horizontal Fixed Position – 5G, and
  4. Inclined Weld Position – 6G

Horizontal Piping Weld Position 1G

Firstly, Pipe welding Position 1G is the most basic pipe welding position. Moreover, the pipe can be rotated manually or by an external machine. A welder performs the pipe welding from the top and does not have to change his position. The speed of rotation should be the same as the welder’s forward welding speed.

Vertical Piping Weld Position 2G

Similarly, in the piping position 2G, the pipe will be in the vertical position and the weld horizontal direction. Besides, the welder moves around the pipe or stays on the side. The backhand method is most often used in the case of a 2G pipe welding position.

Horizontal Fixed Piping Weld Position 5G

Pipe welding position 5G is a welding position where the pipe is held fixed in a horizontal position while the operator welds either downward or upward. This welding position is more difficult as the pipe can not be rotated, unlike 1G welding position.

Inclined Piping Weld Position 6G

In position 6G, in contrast, the welding is performed on a pipe inclined at 45 degrees +/- 5 degrees from horizontal or vertical axis. On the other hand, the operator needs to move around the pipe for welding. This is the most challenging position for welders. 

6GR is when a ring plate is placed at 1-inch gap for welds resembling obstacles such as walls, attachments, brackets, or other structures.

Welder Performance Qualifications for Weld Test Positions

Moreover, reference ASME Section IX Table QW-461.9, the qualification test, and qualified positions are denoted for the below weld positions of plate and pipe for easier reference.

Qualifications on Plate Welds

1. A welder qualified on 1G position on plate, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. in the Flat and Horizontal positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over, and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-Only in the Flat position (F).

A welder qualified on 1F position, for instance, can weld plate and pipe fillet welds only in the Flat position (F), where it is limited to pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

2. A welder qualified on 2G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on-

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D.
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over, and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-For the Flat (F) and Horizontal (H) positions

Whereas, a welder qualified on 2F position, for instance, can weld plate, and pipe fillet welds only in the Flat (F) and Horizontal positions (H), where it is limited to pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

3. A welder qualified on 3G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for the Flat (F) and Vertical (V) positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over on Flat Position (F), and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds for the Flat (F), Vertical (V) and Horizontal (H) positions.

Whereas, a welder qualified on 3F position can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in the Flat (F), Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) positions, where it is limited to pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

4. A welder qualified on 4G position can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for the Flat (F) and Overhead (O) positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over on Flat (F) Position, and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds for the Flat (F), Horizontal (H) and Overhead (O) positions.

Whereas, a welder qualified on 4F position can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in the Flat (F), Horizontal (H) and Overhead (O) positions, where it is limited to pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

5. A welder qualified on Combination of 3G and 4G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for the Flat (F), Vertical (V) and Overhead (O) positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over on Flat (F) Position, and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds for ALL positions.

And, a welder qualified on 3F & 4F position, for instance, can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in the ALL positions, where it is limited to pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

6. A welder qualified on Combination of 2G, 3G and 4G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for ALL positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over on Flat (F) and Horizontal (H) Positions, and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds for ALL positions.

7. A welder qualified on Combination of Special Positions (SP), for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. 
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. 
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-For that Special (SP) position and Flat (F) position only.

Moreover, a welder qualified on 3F & 4F position can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in that Special (SP) position and Flat (F) position only, where it is limited to pipes 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over.

Qualifications on Pipe Welds

On the contrary, diameter restrictions to ASME Section IX QW-452.3, QW-452.4, and QW-452.6 apply for the below Qualifications. Refer to ASME section IX documents for a detailed overview.

1. A welder qualified on 1G position, for instance, on pipe can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. in the Flat and Horizontal positions
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. , and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-Only in the Flat position (F).

A welder qualified on 1F position, for instance, can weld plate and pipe fillet welds only in the Flat position (F).

2. A welder qualified on 2G position on pipe, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D.
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. , and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-For the Flat (F) and Horizontal (H) positions

Whereas, a welder qualified on 2F position can weld plate and pipe fillet welds only in the Flat (F) and Horizontal positions (H),.

3. A welder qualified on 5G position in pipe, for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for the Flat (F), Vertical (V) and Overhead (O) positions.
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. for pipes 27/8 in. (73 mm) O.D. and over on Flat (F), Vertical (V) and Overhead (O)
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds for the ALL positions.

Whereas, a welder qualified on 5F position can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in ALL positions.

4. A welder qualified on 6G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on ALL positions-

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. 
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. , and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds.

5. A welder qualified on Combination of 2G and 5G position, for instance, can weld groove welds on ALL positions –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D.
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D., and
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds.

6. A welder qualified on Combination of Special Positions (SP), for instance, can weld groove welds on –

  • Plate and pipe over 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. 
  • Pipes ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) O.D. 
  • Pipe and plate fillet welds

-For that Special (SP) position and Flat (F) position only.

7. A welder qualified on 2FR position, for instance, can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in that Flat (F) and Horizontal (H) positions only.

8. A welder qualified on 4F position, for instance, can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in that Flat (F), Horizontal (H) and Overhead (O)positions only.

9. Whereas, a welder qualified on Special Position (SP) can weld plate and pipe fillet welds in that Special Position (SP) and Flat (F) positions only.

Reference Standard for Welding Positions

AWS D1.1

ASME BPVC Section IX

European Welding Standard EN 287 – 1

The Conclusion

Consequently, for welding to be done properly, welding positions have to be taken into consideration. In other words, expertise over each weld position levels up a welder’s skills and qualifications. Moreover, each welding position is an important variable that determines the quality of a weld. For each weld position, welders need to undergo certification processes.

Have any comments related to this article? Post right away!

Shakil Mohammed
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