In welding, “G” stands for groove weld positions, labeled 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G, representing flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead welding respectively. Each position requires specific techniques and is suited for different welding scenarios.
1G (Flat Position)
Reflecting on the 1G, or flat position in welding, this is by far the most basic and widespread method due to its simplicity and accessibility. Here, the weld piece is positioned horizontally, which provides a stable and easy-to-hold object for every welder to work with, which has a significant impact on the quality of welding. In other words, this is not only the most beginner-friendly welding position but also the most efficient for massive projects where the size of the weld becomes critical. Thus, the workers making building’s frameworks always use the 1G welding position in joining the horizontal beams.
Here, the speed of welding and quality of obtained welds, which imply the efficiency, is critical because harnessing and attaching small items together would be at least twenty percent faster than in, say, 3G or 4G. This ability to work together better translates into cost-efficiency as, on average, the reduced time for welds enables nearly 15 to 20 percent worth of labor cost savings. Additionally, the quality is also improved as the 1G position effectively eliminates such default as porosity, undercutting, or other issues, which might be connected with vertical or overhead welds. In controlled environments, such as plants manufacturing automotive parts, this position decreases the percentage of defective units by nearly 10 percent.
To make the best use of the 1G welding position, modern welding technologies provide an opportunity to regulate the parameters of welding machines, such as new MIG Metal Inert Gas welders. In particular, when welding steel of 0.125 inches thickness, the power should be set at approximately 120 amps to achieve the balance between the penetration into the base metal and the minimization of spattering to waste the materials and time.
2G (Horizontal Position)
2G or horizontal position in welding is important for tasks where the weld is applied on the side of a joint, which is a joint between two plates organizes vertically while the weld goes horizontally. This is an essential technique applied in industries such as shipbuilding and pipeline construction. In the case of shipbuilding, a 2G welding position helps join hull sections securely, and this kind of position is generally harder to perform compared to the flat position because of gravity affecting the weld pool. However, 2G position is the most preferred because of the effectiveness of the weld seam produced and since this kind of connection is usually exposed to considerable loads in waters the weld should be strong accordingly.
The main benefits of the 2G position are cost and improved accessibility. This position is generally highly accessible since the joint is positioned and easy-to-reach levels, and the welder has a full view of the working process. Furthermore, no special equipment or additional set-ups are required as in the case of vertical or overhead position that can make the welding procedure harder to perform and increase the costs. As it is stated on Weldguru, in 2G welders generally achieve welding speeds of around 10 inches per minute, which can be around 30% slower compared to 1G position, yet this speed is balanced by the absence of special set-ups or adjustments as position 3 or 4 might require. Furthermore, this kind of welding position is vital for pipeline installation where the pipes are welded in place horizontally.
3G (Vertical Position)
The 3G welding position is essential for vertical welding, where the weld joint is upright, and the welding is done from the bottom upward or the top downward. It is common for structural applications like building frameworks, bridges, and towers. Such applications often have many vertical seams which are necessary for the strength of the structure. One instance where the 3G position is used extensively is vertical welding in high-rise construction.
Skyscrapers have to be structurally safe and strong, so many vertical seams are welded using this technique. This position has an advantage in that welders can work at a comfort level on the structure’s sides rather than above the head. This can be especially beneficial for horizontal welders as it reduces the fatigue they can get from the work.
However, the 3G position must be done carefully due to the effects of gravity. Gravity will want to pull the liquid metal and molten metal down, and drips by globular transfer can occur. This position requires utmost care to control the beads’ size and compensate for the effects of gravity, which can lead to inclusions that weaken the metal. However, when combined with modern technologies like the advancement of processes like Flux-Cored Arc Welding or Metal Inert Gas Welding, it can be wielded at decent speeds and provide significant quality advantages.
Welders can make a massive impact with this method, with a 20% reduction in quality affecting the eventual safety of a welding job. Due to gravity, this position is slower than the 1G position due to how much care must be done to offset it. It is also cheaper as it requires no scaffolding for a person welding from the top position, or special equipment like rotating head clamps and positioner beds.
4G (Overhead Position)
The 4G welding position, or the overhead position, is one of the most challenging and skill-intensive welding positions. This type of welding is defined as the weld being done from beneath the joint, with the welder’s hands held above the head to work against gravity. The welding position is especially prevalent in automotive repair, industrial piping, and shipbuilding, as the construction or repair needs to have access to the underside of the structure. For instance, in automotive assembly lines, the 4G welding position is often applied in welding components underneath the vehicle.
The 4G position is difficult to handle since it is hard to control the molten pool and there is inevitably more spatter than other positions if not handled with care. According to Weld Guru, workers who are proficient in the 4G position can reduce the defect rate by up to 15% when welding in such environments. This decrease is directly linked to a reduction in costs linked to rework, repair, and material waste. Shipbuilding is another area that requires 4G welding, as overhead welding is unavoidable in the construction of the ship’s hull.
Although it is slower due to the intricacies and physical demands, with the right stick-type and method, welders can reasonably expect 6 inches per minute weld speed, which is significant even in such difficult conditions. The overhead position is necessary in industrial contexts, as well, such as piping in oil and gas facilities, where the pipes are put in place and have to be welded from the inside.