Pipe fixed at 45°. Can't rotate it. Welder moves through every position — flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead — all at an angle that makes each transition harder. Pass 6G and you're qualified for essentially everything on pipe.
The 6G positions the pipe at a fixed 45° incline. The welder must weld the full circumference without rotating the pipe, moving through all positions at compound angles. It's the most comprehensive single pipe qualification test available under D1.1 and most other codes.
If a welder can pass 6G, they can weld pipe in essentially any real-world situation. That's why it's the gold standard for pipe welders on structural and industrial projects.
| Weld Type | Positions Qualified |
|---|---|
| Groove Welds (Pipe) | All positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G) |
| Fillet Welds (Pipe) | All positions |
The 45° incline creates positions that don't exist in normal plate testing. The welder is constantly adjusting electrode angle, amperage, and puddle management as they move around the pipe. The overhead-to-flat transition at the top is the hardest point — get comfortable with that before you submit a test coupon.
All common processes qualify: SMAW is still most prevalent for structural pipe work. GTAW root with SMAW fill and cap is common on higher-quality requirements. FCAW is viable where conditions allow.
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