Standard designations for test and production positions: 1 is flat, 2 horizontal, 3 vertical and 4 overhead, followed by G for groove or F for fillet, so 3G is a vertical groove plate. Pipe positions are 1G rolled, 2G with a vertical axis, 5G horizontal and fixed, and 6G inclined at 45 degrees and fixed. Passing in a harder position usually qualifies the easier ones, within code limits.
Test is 3G and 4G plate with 7018, pass both and you're qualified all position on plate.
Also heard as
- position
- welding position
Related terms
6G
Pipe test position with the pipe fixed at 45 degrees, covering every welding position in one joint.
Uphill
Welding vertically from the bottom up, which gives deeper fusion and more fill per pass.
Out of position
Shop phrase for welding in any position other than flat, especially vertical and overhead.
Cert
Shop word for a welder's qualification, or the test taken to earn it, as in a 6G cert.