The pipe doesn't move. You do. The 5G tests a welder's ability to complete a full circumferential weld on a pipe fixed in horizontal position — covering flat, vertical, and overhead positions in a single continuous weld.
The 5G designation means pipe in a fixed horizontal position — the pipe axis is horizontal and cannot be rotated. The welder moves around the pipe, welding through flat, vertical, and overhead positions in one pass around the circumference.
This is a significant step up from plate testing. The welder must transition through different positions seamlessly without stopping, adjusting parameters on the fly as the position changes. It's a real-world pipe welding simulation.
| Weld Type | Positions Qualified |
|---|---|
| Groove Welds (Pipe/Tube) | Flat (1G), Vertical (3G), Overhead (4G) |
| Fillet Welds (Pipe/Tube) | 1F, 3F, 4F |
| All Positions (2G+5G or 6G) | Requires additional testing |
All standard D1.1 processes apply: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW. SMAW is most common for pipe work — the ability to restart cleanly and maintain consistent penetration matters a lot on the overhead segment. Any cold lap on overhead = failure on visual.
Request 5G Quote Compare: 6G Pipe