{"id":9699,"date":"2026-07-06T07:24:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T05:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/personalleasing-osteuropa.de\/?page_id=9699"},"modified":"2026-07-11T12:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T10:51:15","slug":"welding-positions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/personalleasing-osteuropa.de\/en\/wissen\/schweisspositionen\/","title":{"rendered":"Overview of Welding Positions: Meaning, Codes, Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to welding, the position is always a key factor. This refers to the position in which the welding is performed, or where the weld joint is located during the welding process. There are a wide variety of possibilities for this. From vertical to horizontal to everything in between\u2014the position of the weld joints presents its own unique challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

How is the position of the weld joint determined or described?<\/h2>\n

The surface to be welded and the axis of the weld along which the welding is performed play a decisive role in determining how the work can be carried out. At the two extremes of the scale, there are two welding positions: the ideal position and its exact opposite.<\/p>\n

The Tub Position\u2014The Ideal Welding Position<\/h3>\n

The ideal position for welding is the so-called trough position. In this position, the weld lies horizontally, and the edges of the workpieces form a trough that contains the molten pool. There are various variations of the trough position.<\/p>\n

Quite simply, a trough joint can be located between two workpieces that are joined by a butt weld. In this case, both opposing edges are chamfered so that they form a V\u2014this is the absolute ideal scenario, the simplest of all trough joints.<\/p>\n

A trough can also form when a fillet weld is made between two workpieces. In this case, the two workpieces are at a 90\u00b0 angle to each other but are each tilted by 45\u00b0, so that the weld to be made is once again located exactly within a trough. In this way, a pipe can also be attached to another workpiece.<\/p>\n

The overhead position\u2014the biggest challenge<\/h3>\n

The flat position is the easiest welding position to work in. The opposite of this is the overhead position. Here, too, the weld joint lies horizontally\u2014but it is inverted and overhead, so that the weld faces directly downward.<\/p>\n

All other welding positions fall between the flat position and the overhead position. This has nothing to do with the geometry of the workpieces\u2014it simply refers to the position in which the welding is performed. In addition, there is the direction of welding, which distinguishes between ascending and descending passes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What codes are used for the welding positions?<\/h2>\n

The welding positions themselves are standardized. They are determined by the DIN EN ISO 6947<\/strong>. According to the standard, there are seven positions, known as the main welding positions. Each has its own code\u2014and they apply to all welding processes, whether MAG, TIG, or other methods.<\/p>\n

While DIN EN ISO 6947 is an internationally recognized standard, the terminology used in the United States differs from it. There, the terms used are G<\/strong> a butt weld and with F<\/strong> A fillet weld is described.<\/p>\n

The 7 main positions according to DIN EN ISO 6947 and the American system<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
German (DIN EN ISO 6947)<\/th>\nAmerican<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
PA<\/td>\n1G<\/td>\nTub Position<\/td>\nThe surface of the weld is at an angle of 0\u00b0 to the vertical.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PB<\/td>\n2F \/ 2FR (rotating tube)<\/td>\nHorizontal Position of the Fillet Weld<\/td>\nThe weld is located between the 1 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions; the surface is at a 45\u00b0 angle to the vertical.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PC<\/td>\n2G<\/td>\nTransverse position<\/td>\nThe surface of the weld forms a 90\u00b0 angle with the vertical.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PD<\/td>\n4F<\/td>\nHorizontal overhead position<\/td>\nThe surface of the weld is at a 135\u00b0 angle to the vertical.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PE<\/td>\n4G<\/td>\nupside-down position<\/td>\nThe surface of the weld forms an angle of 180\u00b0 with the vertical.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PF<\/td>\n3G, increasing<\/td>\nAscent Position<\/td>\nThe axis of the weld is vertical; welding is performed in an upward direction.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PG<\/td>\n3G falling<\/td>\nCase Position<\/td>\nThe axis of the weld is vertical; welding is performed with the weld sloping downward.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Additional Pipe Welding Positions<\/h3>\n

There are additional, specific welding positions for pipes:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
German (DIN EN ISO 6947)<\/th>\nAmerican<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
PH<\/td>\n5G on the rise<\/td>\nThe pipe is secured; it is being welded as it rises.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PJ<\/td>\n5G on the decline<\/td>\nThe pipe is secured; it is welded as it falls.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PK<\/td>\n\u2014 (no American equivalent)<\/td>\nOrbital welding of a pipe.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What challenges do welding positions present?<\/h2>\n

Not all welding positions are equally difficult. The flat position is considered the easiest: The molten pool lies in the natural direction of gravity and is easy to control. As the angle deviates further from the horizontal, the demands on the welder increase significantly.<\/p>\n

Upward vs. Downward Welding<\/h3>\n

The direction of welding has a significant impact on the result. In upward welding (PF \/ 3G upward), the welder works against gravity\u2014the molten pool tends to flow downward. In down-slope welding (PG\/3G down-slope), the material flows with gravity and must be actively controlled to prevent defects such as cold joints or slag inclusions.<\/p>\n

Overhead Welding<\/h3>\n

The overhead position (PE \/ 4G) is the most challenging of all basic positions: The molten pool defies gravity and is in danger of spilling out. This requires the utmost concentration, specialized technique, and, as a rule, slow, controlled work. Welders who have mastered the overhead position are among the most experienced professionals.<\/p>\n

Pipes and Orbital Welding<\/h3>\n

When welding fixed pipes (PH, PJ), the welder moves through several positions in a single pass\u2014from flat position to horizontal position to overhead position. This requires constant adjustment of the welding technique. Orbital welding (PK) solves this problem with an automated electrode that orbits the pipe\u2014a method in high demand in the pharmaceutical industry, pipeline construction, and food processing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

From the flat position, which is the easiest to weld, to the overhead position, which poses the greatest challenge\u2014all welding positions and directions are standardized according to DIN EN ISO 6947. While the standard is internationally recognized, the Americans follow their own approach; however, they essentially adhere to the same principles. For pipes, there are additional positions that place special demands on technique and experience. Qualified welders must be proficient in all relevant positions and be able to switch flexibly between them depending on the job.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Frequently Asked Questions About Welding Positions<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>