Understanding Welding Positions: The Complete Guide 2025

Welders need to weld in different positions. The workpiece could be flat, vertical, overhead, or in any orientation. It’s the real test for a welder and the right place to demonstrate skills and get excellent results.

Mastering different welding positions is necessary. Not only does it allow you to pass certain welding exams and tests but it also opens doors to more opportunities and tasks.

A welder who knows and works in all welding positions is always in great demand. He can achieve exceptional weld quality irrespective of the scenario and the difficulty of the task.

Let’s learn everything about welding positions in depth and uncover the secrets to achieving perfect welds.

What is Welding Position?

Welding Position means the orientation of the weld joint or workpiece with respect to the welder’s body. It’s the orientation in which the welder performs welding.

There are different possibilities for orientation. For instance, one position could be the workpiece lying flat on the ground. The opposite position would be a workpiece above the welder’s head.

The workpiece or joint could be flat, vertical, horizontal, overhead, or at any specific angle. All possible orientations are called Welding Positions.

Learning to weld in different welding positions is an important part of welding education. Welders need to demonstrate their skills in different positions and pass tests to obtain certifications.

At different positions, welders need to use distinct techniques to achieve the perfect weld. They need to learn how to control the weld pool and create exceptional joints that do not require reword. Not only do they need adequate knowledge of the positions but also a lot of practice.

A welder needs to understand all types of welding positions, master the techniques, remember dos & don’ts, and consider safety measures. It will help him do any kind of welding job and complete challenging tasks.

Understanding “G” and “F” in Welding Positions

Before getting into welding positions, it is necessary to understand the meaning of the letters, “G” and “F.” In ASME and AWS nomenclatures, these are used to indicate the joint type in welding positions.

“G” is for the Groove weld, while “F” is for the Fillet weld.

Groove Weld (G)

A weld in which both metal pieces are on the same plane, and there is a groove in between is called a Groove Welding.

Both metal pieces are placed together. The groove between them can be of any shape, such as square, bevel, V, J, U, etc. Due to different types of groves, Groove welds can be further classified.

The filler material fills the groove and creates a very strong bond between the metal pieces. It is an ideal option for deep penetration.

Fillet Weld (F)

A fillet weld is a type of weld in which two metal pieces are joined at a 90⁰ angle. It’s like a T joint between the metal pieces.

Both metal pieces can be in any orientation. The joint can be flat, vertical, horizontal, or overhead with respect to the welder.

In the place where both metals meet a triangle is formed. That’s why the cross-section of a fillet weld looks triangular. During welding, the filler material fills that part to create a strong joint. It’s commonly used in the fabrication of metal structures.

5 Types of Welding Positions Explained

Flat Position (1G and 1F)

In the ASME and AWS nomenclature, “1” is used for the Flat Position. In ISO, it’s “PA.”

The flat is the most basic and accessible welding position. Usually, welders start their learning journey by welding flat objects.

It is the easiest of all because the weld puddle is easy to control. It’s not against the gravity, so the puddle remains calm. The molten material and filler fill the gaps evenly.

The workpiece is on the floor or worktable. And the final joint or weld is also flat, which means parallel to the floor or table.

Welders can easily make the joint from above. The weld joint is horizontal. For instance, if you are using a stick electrode, you will have to drag the electrode horizontally to form the joint.

“1G” is for Flat Groove Weld. Both metal pieces lie on the floor and on the same plane. There is a groove between them, which is filled when the electrode moves in the horizontal direction.

“1F” is for the Flat Fillet Weld. In this position, both metal pieces are placed in a position that they make a “V” on the flat surface or floor. Then, the welding is done in the horizontal direction.

The best thing about this welding position is that almost any welding process can be used. You can do stick welding, MIG, TIG, laser, or any other type of welding in flat positions.

Welders can comfortably weld in a flat position. They do not need to use special techniques to control the weld pool. They can achieve excellent welds with minimal effort. Therefore, any welder would prefer to keep metal pieces in the flat position if possible to weld without any hassle.

It’s the most widely used welding position. It’s mostly used to join small or large flat metal pieces. Welders can do it at a good speed.

Horizontal Position (2G and 2F)

“2” is used to denote Horizontal Position in the ASME and AWS nomenclature. In this position, the welding axis is horizontal.

2G (PC in ISO) is the Horizontal Groove Weld. Both metal pieces are in the vertical position. Which means they are in front of the welder’s face. Welding is done horizontally (left to right or right to left) to fill the gap between the pieces.

It is a difficult welding position because the workpiece is vertical, so the weld pool will be affected by gravity. Welders need to ensure the molten material does not drip or sag from its position.

2F (PB in ISO) refers to the Horizontal Fillet Welding. One metal piece is horizontal, while the other is vertical. It forms an “L” or “T.” You need to weld in the triangle where both metal pieces meet.

Even in this position, the weld pool will drag more towards the horizontal surface because of gravity. However, it’s a lot easier than 2G. Chances are that the deposition will be slightly more near the horizontal piece compared to the vertical one.

Welders can use any welding process for this welding position as well. However, extra care and experience are needed.

It’s commonly used for welding beams, columns, steel structures, joining vertical metal sheets, shipbuilding, etc.

Vertical Position (3G and 3F)

“3” represents Vertical Position in the ASME and AWS nomenclature. In this position, welding is done vertically, either from top to bottom or vice versa. It’s a bit more advanced and difficult type of welding position because it’s completely against gravity.

3G refers to Vertical Groove Weld. Both metal pieces are in the vertical plane and held together forming a groove, which is also along the vertical axis. The angle between the electrode and workpiece is 90⁰.

Welders can go up or down, anything they find suitable. If you go from the top to the bottom, the weld pool will also drip along with the welding electrode or torch. In the bottom-to-top direction, the weld pool tends to sag down while the electrode moves up freely, which is why it is more common.

3F is the Vertical Fillet Weld. The welding joint is on the vertical axis. However, the workpieces are in different planes. They are kept in a “V” shape so that the meeting axis is directly in front of the welder’s face. The angle between the electrode and the workpiece is 45⁰.

The primary issue of this welding position is the accumulation of molten metal at the bottom. Due to gravity, the molten metal will flow towards the bottom. However, the amount of accumulation must be controlled to achieve a perfect weld.

Usually, welders would prefer to weld materials in flat and horizontal positions. They would prefer to move the piece if possible. But in cases where you can’t move the pieces, vertical position is the only way. It’s used in shipbuilding, machinery, structural frames, etc.

Overhead Position (4G and 4F)

“4” is used for Overhead. It’s the most difficult welding position of all. The welding joint is above the head of the welder. It’s done in situations where it’s impossible to move the workpiece.

During welding, the sparks and spatter will fall directly on the welder. Therefore, proper safety measures are necessary. There are higher chances of burns if the body is not covered with leather protective accessories.

4G is the Overhead Groove Weld. Both metal pieces are above the head. While welding the pieces, the major concern is the dripping of the molten metal. It’s extremely difficult to control. Even if it does not drip, the weld beads will be more pointed because of the gravity.

4F is the Overhead Fillet Weld. The metal pieces are above the head forming a V-shape. It also has the same challenges, but it is a bit easier compared to 4G. There are fewer chances of sagging and drips because of the V-shape.

Before starting to weld in this position, welders need to get comfortable and take adequate safety measures. Welders work in this welding position for bridge repairs, ship repairs, and overhead structures.

Inclined Position (5G and 6G)

In included welding, the orientation is not horizontal, vertical, overhead, or in any plane. Instead, it is tilted or inclined covering the space (all three axes). Thus, welding is not done in the direction of a specific axis, it moves in the space covering distance in more than one axis.

The position is especially for welding pipes. They are not used for flat objects.

In the 5G welding position, the pieces of pipe are placed horizontally. While the welding is done around the circumference.

It’s a combination of all types of positions we have discussed except the horizontal position. For instance, the welder has to weld in a flat position while welding the top of the pipe pieces. Then, it shifts to the vertical position. And then, the welder has to lay under the pipe to weld it in the overhead position.

In 6G welding, the pipe is inclined, which means it makes a 45⁰ angle from the horizontal or vertical axis. And welding is done along the circumference. That said, it is the most difficult welding position. It involves all the welding positions we have discussed.

How to Ensure the Best Result in Each Position?

Welders need to learn techniques, tips & tricks, and dos & don’ts, to get the best welds in different positions. Let’s uncover the secrets.

Mastering Flat Position

Welding in a flat position is the easiest. Welders can easily control the weld pool. However, it is necessary to move at a suitable speed.

If you go slow, you’ll overheat the material and melt more metal than required. The deposition of the filler material will also be heavy.

And if you go too fast, you won’t be able to fill the gaps or grooves. Secondly, it will create porosity and uneven welds.

For optimal weld quality, keep the speed steady and the arc length short. You will have clean and even beads. As a rule of thumb, you should keep the current moderate.

Practice the technique and try test runs before welding the workpiece.

Mastering Horizontal Position

The major concern in a horizontal position is the dripping of the molten metal. It will result in uneven weld beads, porosity, and various defects.

The ideal way to weld in the horizontal position is to keep the weld pool as minimal as possible. Do not go to high temperatures because it could melt a lot of material.

Keep the current moderate and weld at a faster speed. It will not melt too much material and create an adequate weld pool, which won’t drip much.Controlling heat is the key to mastering welding in a horizontal position.

Mastering Vertical Position

Similar to the horizontal position, you have to control the molten pool. The molten metal will accumulate at the bottom, so do not go to extreme temperatures. Keep the current low to avoid high temperatures and keep the weld pool in control.

For thick materials, go from bottom to top. Otherwise, the penetration will be low. And for thin materials, go from the top to the bottom.

You can also try the weaving motion or zigzag pattern to prevent the dripping of the molten metal and achieve excellent welds.

Make sure the electrode or wire consumption is low. As a welder, you can control the electrode melting through speed. However, the wire consumption is adjusted on the machine.

Avoid going up and down directly. Go in zigzag motion. Secondly, move the electrode faster when you are in the middle of the weld pool.

Mastering Overhead Position

Overhead is the most difficult one. You have to pay extra attention to the weld pool. Keep the arc length short, go faster, and make sure there is minimal molten material.

Use the weaving technique to prevent the molten material from dripping. The current should be low for better control over the weld pool.

If you go too slow, the molten material will drip on you. So make sure you are not heating the material more than required.

Before welding, make sure the space is enough. Lie down and see if you can easily complete the weld while staying in one place. Otherwise, weld in parts and change your position to be more comfortable.

Mastering Inclined Position

Welding pipes isn’t easy. You must learn to weld on curved surfaces and master all the welding positions we have discussed above.

During the welding process, you’ll have to switch to different welding positions. At the same time, you’ll have to adjust the tilt angle accordingly.

Pay special attention to even speed and short arcs. You don’t need to go through the whole circumference in one go. You can stop in between to change your position. Also, do multiple passes to cover large holes and ensure deep penetration.

It’s better to start overhead welding at the bottom. Weld in the overhead position first and then move ahead.

Safety Measures for Each Welding Position

All welding positions require adequate protective gear. For instance, you need a welding helmet with a suitable lens shade. You need welding gloves, a welder’s jacket, trousers, boots, etc. Make sure the area is properly ventilated and keep the fire extinguisher ready to deal with accidents.

Flat is the easiest position. It requires proper gear, nothing extra or special. Secure the workpiece properly and protect your hands from spatter.

In the horizontal and vertical positions, you need to protect your hands from the molten dripping metal. Make sure to wear welding gloves and sleeves to protect your hand from the molten material and spatter.

Before welding in the overhead position, you need extra safety gear. Cover yourself with a leather jacket. The molten material and spatter could fall on your chest, hands, and arms. Your body should be properly covered. Use a longer welding helmet that covers the neck and some areas of the chest. You also need to wear a cap or bandana to protect your hair.

Make sure you are comfortable in the position. Then, start welding. Do not try to weld everything in one go. You can take breaks and change positions. Go slowly and safely.

Achieve Perfection in All Welding Positions with Laser Welding

Laser welding is extremely precise and controllable. As a welder, you can control the temperature, speed, penetration, and other factors. You can use it in all welding positions and get incredible results with less effort.

The molten pool can be controlled precisely through speed. It prevents the dripping of the molten material. It is within the welder’s control, so welding in difficult positions like vertical and overhead is much easier and safer with laser welding.

It affects only a minimal area. The heat-affected zone is minimal, so the surrounding area is not affected. You don’t need to worry about overheating, excessive molten pool, spatter, and other issues.

It’s possible to achieve excellent weld quality at a good speed. Most importantly, laser welding can also be automated for exceptional control, consistency, and speed.

Conclusion

Learning welding positions is the basics of welding. It allows welders to do different kinds of jobs and achieve excellent weld quality. We have explained five welding positions in detail along with their benefits, complications, and applications. We have also shared some secret techniques, tips & tricks, and dos & don’ts to make perfect every time.