WELDING

POSITIONS
4 MAIN TYPES A QUICK REFERENCE
 1G 2G 3G 4G

FLAT
WELD

For any welding

process
Technique: The workpiece is placed flat, an electric arc is passed over it,
in a horizontal direction. Top surface of the joint is welded, allowing the
molten metal to flow downward into the joint groove or edges.
 1G 2G 3G 4G

HORIZONTAL
WELD

For out-of-position welds,

requires higher skillset
Technique: The weld axis is roughly horizontal. The position is executed
based on the type of weld. For groove welds, the weld face is along a vertical
line. For fillet welds, the weld bead is done where the horizontal and vertical
surfaces of the metals meet at a 90o.
 1G 2G 3G 4G

VERTICAL
WELD

For challenging positions where flat or horizontal

welds are difficult, requires higher skillset
Technique: The workpiece and plate lie vertically, and welds can be performed
vertical up or down. Vertical up is mostly used on thicker and large weldments.
This is a challenging weld since gravity pulls the molten metal downward
and piles up metal.
 1G 2G 3G 4G

OVERHEAD
WELD

For complex positions,

requires expert skillset
Technique: The workpiece is above the welder and the welding is done from
the underside of the joint. In most cases, welders will find themselves lying
on the floor, as this position is performed on metals or fixed equipment
that cannot be moved.
When you start working on a welding position,
it is always a good idea to perform a few practice
passes before welding to ensure you complete
the entire weld length in a comfortable position.

! REMEMBER
VERY IMPORTANT

The filler metal you choose and mode of transfer

determine the welding position you should go for.