Welding Positions According to EN ISO 6947
Introduction
The welding position describes the spatial orientation of the weld axis and the joint plane during execution of the weld pass. EN ISO 6947:2011 standardises positions for butt welds and fillet welds worldwide, replacing older national designations. Knowing these positions is essential for interpreting welder qualification certificates (EN ISO 9606-1) and WPS (EN ISO 15614-1).
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Reference System
The standard defines two reference planes:
- H plane: horizontal plane (reference)
- Inclination angle (α): angle of the weld axis with the H plane
- Rotation angle (β): rotation angle of the weld face
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Positions for Butt Welds
| Designation | Name | α | β | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Flat | 0° | 0–15° | Welding from above, horizontal joint |
| PB | Horizontal | 0° | 90±5° | Horizontal welding on vertical wall |
| PC | Horizontal-vertical | 0° | 90° | Butt on vertical wall, horizontal axis |
| PD | Overhead horizontal | 0° | 180–270° | Welding from below, horizontal joint |
| PE | Overhead | 0° | 180±15° | Welding from below, inverted horizontal joint |
| PF | Vertical upward | 90° | — | Vertical axis, upward progression |
| PG | Vertical downward | 90° | — | Vertical axis, downward progression |
| PH | Horizontal fixed pipe (up) | 45° | — | Inclined pipe, upward progression |
| PJ | Horizontal fixed pipe (down) | 45° | — | Inclined pipe, downward progression |
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Positions for Fillet Welds
| Designation | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PA | Flat ("boat") | Both pieces at 45°, welding at the bottom |
| PB | Horizontal | One piece vertical, one horizontal |
| PD | Overhead horizontal | Fillet from below on horizontal joint |
| PE | Overhead | Fully inverted fillet |
| PF | Vertical upward | Upward progression |
| PG | Vertical downward | Downward progression |
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Scope of Welder Qualifications (EN ISO 9606-1)
- PF (vertical upward) covers: PA, PB, PC, PE, PF
- PG (vertical downward) covers: PA, PG only
- PC (horizontal) covers: PA, PB, PC
Pipe positions (PH, PJ) have a separate scope and do not cover plate positions.
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Execution Tips by Position
| Position | Main challenge | Recommended technique |
|---|---|---|
| PA | Lateral fusion | Controlled weaving |
| PC | Fusion at upper wall | Electrode angled slightly upward |
| PE | Pool control | Narrow beads, multi-pass |
| PF | Gravity aids fusion | Triangle or circular technique |
| PG | Pool tends to run | Higher travel speed |
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Reference Standards
- EN ISO 6947:2011 — Welding and allied processes. Welding positions
- EN ISO 9606-1:2017 — Qualification testing of welders. Fusion welding. Part 1: Steels
- EN ISO 15614-1 — Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials
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