TEST Position or Weld Position ?

To see more information related to this topic go

to http://www.sperkoengineering.com/html/asme.htm and click on the
"POSITIONS" link. Read the other articles too.

Positions used for testing welders and procedures are given designation
by various codes. The commonly used codes in the US are Designations
such as 1G,2G,3G,4G,5G,6G for groove welds. Fillet welds are
designated as 1F,2F,3F,4F,5F.

These designations are for the position of the test only. I and I'm sure
many others have either created or seen welder performance
qualifications with that indicated a person was qualified for
1G,2G,3G,4G. That is incorrect. The positions qualified should be listed
as Flat, Horiz, Vert, Overhead. The position the test was taken in refers to
1G, 2G etc.

This is referenced in ASME Sec IX's introduction. This refers to changes

made in 1980.
The new revision to position indicates that a welder
qualifies in the 1G, 2G, 3G, etc., position and is then
qualified to weld, in production, in the F, V, H, or O
positions as appropriate. QW-461.9 is a revised table that
summarizes these new qualifications

Here is why

1) The test positions have limits on how far they can deviate from a given
plane.

FROM ASME SEC IX

Groove welds may be made in test coupons oriented in
any of the positions in figure QW-461.3 or figure
QW-461.4 and as described in the following paragraphs,
except that an angular deviation of ±15 deg from the specified
horizontal and vertical planes, and an angular deviation
of ±5 deg from the specified inclined plane are permitted
during welding.
2) Welding positions have limits on how far they can deviate from a given
plane.

See ASME Sec IX

3) 1 and 2 above are NOT the same.

A 3G test can tilt forward or backward 15 degrees and still be

considered 3G. Tilt it forward or backward more than 15 degrees, it is no
longer 3G nor is it a 1G or 4G. It is a special position. If I indicate I am
qualified "3G" that does not include the position shown in the 2nd picture
below. However if I indicate I am qualified Vertical, that includes the
position shown in the picture below.

Inclined 45
3G tilted forward
Degrees from
15 Degrees IN
Vertical and
accordance with
Horiz
ASME Sec IX
Para

The range of positions qualified is referred to by the actual position and

NOT the test position.