Final answer:
The AWS recognizes four welding positions: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Each position is identified by a number and a letter, indicating the type of weld and the orientation of the welding. Knowing these positions helps welders approach various tasks appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Welding Society (AWS) recognizes four standard welding positions for the purposes of training, certification, and industry practices. These positions are important for guiding welders in how to approach various welding tasks in different orientations. Here they are listed with a brief explanation:
Flat position (1G or 1F) - This is the most basic position where the welding is performed from the top down on a horizontal surface.
Horizontal position (2G or 2F) - Welding is performed on a vertical plane, but the weld axis is nearly horizontal.
Vertical position (3G or 3F) - The welding is performed on a vertical surface, with the weld axis roughly vertical and the weld is performed from the bottom up or top down.
Overhead position (4G or 4F) - This is considered the most challenging position as welding is done from beneath the joint, against the force of gravity.
Each position is designated by a number and a letter, where 'G' stands for groove weld, and 'F' stands for fillet weld. The proper position is chosen based on the practicality and accessibility of the part to be welded.