What is the AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Plate Qualification?

The 3G/4G all-position plate qualification test is designed to comprehensively assess a welder's skill across the most demanding welding positions. It combines the requirements of both the 3G (vertical position groove weld) and 4G (overhead position groove weld) tests into a single qualification. Typically, this test is performed on a single, thicker test plate to ensure the welder demonstrates mastery over metal manipulation and weld puddle control against gravity in both vertical-uphill and overhead orientations.

The successful completion of this combined test signifies that the welder has demonstrated the highest level of proficiency in managing heat, fusion, and weld soundness across varying gravitational forces. It's the ultimate proof of a welder's comprehensive abilities in structural steel welding applications, preparing them for the most complex fabrication and erection challenges.

Conquering Vertical & Overhead: Mastering 3G/4G Combined Welding

The AWS D1.1 3G/4G Plate Qualification can be achieved using various welding processes permitted by the code, which must be versatile enough to handle both vertical and overhead demands.

The specific process used during your welding certification test will determine the processes for which you are qualified in production. Weld Cert Test coordinates testing for the most commonly employed methods in structural welding:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW):

• Often referred to as "Stick Welding," SMAW is a highly versatile process well-suited for all positions, especially with electrodes like E7018 (low hydrogen) that provide excellent weld puddle control in vertical and overhead. E6010 is also common for root passes in these positions.

  Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-G / FCAW-S):

• Both gas-shielded (FCAW-G) and self-shielded (FCAW-S) flux-cored processes are highly effective for 3G/4G welding due to their high deposition rates and ability to manage the molten weld puddle in out-of-position scenarios. Careful slag management is essential.

  Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW):

• Commonly known as "MIG Welding," GMAW in vertical and overhead positions requires precise parameter control (voltage, wire feed speed) and often utilizes short circuit transfer mode to prevent excessive sag and ensure proper fusion and weld bead shape.

  Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW):

• While generally slower, "TIG Welding" can also be used for 3G/4G qualification, especially for specialized applications demanding superior weld quality and aesthetic finish where precise control in challenging positions is paramount.

The 3G/4G plate qualification is a rigorous test because it demands mastery over the unique challenges presented by both vertical and overhead welding.

A welder must demonstrate:

Gravity Management & Puddle Control:

• In vertical uphill welding (3G), the challenge is to build the weld upwards against gravity, requiring controlled manipulation of the molten weld puddle to prevent sagging. In overhead welding (4G), gravity pulls the molten metal directly downwards, making it prone to dripping unless expertly managed with precise arc length and travel speed.

  Heat Input & Interpass Temperature:

• Maintaining consistent heat input is vital to ensure full fusion and weld penetration while avoiding overheating, which can lead to excessive sag, burn-through, or internal defects. Proper interpass temperature control is also critical for mechanical properties, especially on thicker plates.

  Weld Pool Manipulation & Bead Profile:

• Welders must employ advanced techniques like specific weaving patterns (e.g., "Christmas tree" for vertical uphill) or stacking consistent stringer beads to support the molten metal as it solidifies, ensuring a uniform and sound weld bead free from undercut, excessive weld reinforcement, porosity, or slag inclusions.

  Physical Stability & Comfort:

• Both vertical and overhead positions can be physically demanding. Maintaining a steady hand, stable body position, and consistent travel is crucial for creating a uniform and sound weld, even in awkward or confined spaces often encountered in structural steel erection.

  Visibility & Safety:

• Working in challenging positions, particularly overhead, can obscure the weld puddle. Welders must develop techniques to maintain clear arc visibility and manage hot spatter and metal droplets safely while ensuring proper weld penetration and bead placement.

Our Certified Welding Inspectors are highly experienced in evaluating these complex skills during visual inspection and interpreting the results of mechanical testing like bend tests, ensuring your 3G/4G groove weld adheres to all AWS D1.1 welding inspection requirements.

Your 3G/4G All-Position Plate Qualification Process with Weld Cert Test

Why Choose WeldCertTest for Your AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Qualification?

Ultimate Versatility & Workforce Flexibility:

• Achieve the most comprehensive welding certification for plate, qualifying your welders for all groove and fillet weld positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 1F, 2F, 3F, 4F) with a single test. This provides unmatched flexibility for any structural steel project.

  National Mail-In Convenience:

• Our unique model offers a highly convenient mail-in welding certification service, allowing welders from across the country to achieve their AWS D1.1 certifications without logistical challenges or unnecessary travel to a testing facility.

  Streamlined Efficiency & Cost-Effectiveness:

• We handle all coordination with our extensive network of Certified Welding Inspectors and testing laboratories, significantly reducing your administrative burden and speeding up the overall welding certification process. Obtaining all-position qualification via one test can also be more cost-efficient than pursuing multiple individual qualifications.

  Uncompromising Compliance:

• Every 3G/4G plate test is conducted to the stringent AWS D1.1 standards, guaranteeing your welder qualifications are fully recognized, valid, and compliant with all relevant welding codes and industry requirements for structural steel welding.

• Expert Network & Ongoing Support: Gain access to a trusted network of experienced professionals dedicated to accurate and reliable weld testing and precise WPQ documentation. We also assist with tracking welder continuity and providing essential re-certification services to keep your team compliant and your qualifications current.

Ready to Achieve Your AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Welding Certification?

Q: Why is the 3G/4G test considered the ultimate plate welding qualification?

A: The 3G/4G test is considered the ultimate because it combines the two most challenging positions (vertical and overhead) into one qualification. Successfully completing it demonstrates mastery over weld puddle control against gravity and certifies the welder for all groove and fillet weld positions on plate per AWS D1.1.

Q: Does a 3G/4G qualification cover pipe welding?

A: No, the AWS D1.1 3G/4G Plate Qualification specifically covers plate welding. Pipe welding (e.g., 6G position) falls under different welding codes and requires separate welding certification tests.

Q: What is the maximum thickness a 3G/4G test qualifies a welder for?

A: The maximum thickness depends on the test plate used. While a 3/8" (9.5mm) test plate qualifies up to 3/4" (19mm) production thickness, using a 1" (25mm) or thicker test plate provides unlimited thickness qualification for groove welds across all qualified positions.

Q: What kind of tests are performed on the 3G/4G weld coupon?

A: After visual inspection by an AWS CWI, the welded test coupon typically undergoes destructive testing, primarily guided bend tests (four total: two face bends and two root bends), to assess internal weld soundness, ductility, and absence of internal flaws like porosity or slag inclusions. Non-destructive testing (NDE) like radiographic testing (RT) may also be performed if specified.

Q: How long is a 3G/4G welding certification valid?

A: Per AWS D1.1 Clause 4.25, a welder qualification remains in effect indefinitely unless the welder has not welded with the qualified process for a period exceeding six months, or if there is a specific reason to question their ability. Maintaining accurate welder continuity records is crucial for keeping the qualification active.

Our streamlined, 4-step process ensures your AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Plate Qualification is efficient, compliant, and tailored to your specific needs:

1. Initial Consultation & Requirements:

   Contact Weld Cert Test with your all-position welder qualification needs. We'll provide exact 3G/4G test plate specifications, detailed weld testing requirements (including proper joint preparation and fit-up), and clear shipping instructions for preparing your welded test coupons.

2. Test Weld & Secure Shipping:

   Your welder performs the 3G/4G groove weld on the specified test plate according to your Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). This typically involves a single test plate that is cut and prepared to allow for both vertical and overhead weld sections. After proper preparation, cooling, and labeling, you securely ship the weld coupon to our designated receiving point.

3. Expert Testing & Coordination:

   • An AWS CWI performs a meticulous visual inspection of your 3G/4G test weld to confirm surface quality, proper weld reinforcement, absence of undercut, cracks, and proper crater fill, all in compliance with AWS D1.1 Clause 4.

   • The coupon is then sent to a testing laboratory for crucial destructive testing, primarily guided bend tests (typically four bend tests for a combined groove weld: two face bends and two root bends). These tests rigorously assess the internal weld soundness, ductility, and absence of internal discontinuities like porosity or slag inclusions.

   • When your WPS or project specifications mandate, we also coordinate non-destructive testing (NDE), such as radiographic testing (RT) weld (X-ray) or ultrasonic testing (UT) weld, to provide an additional layer of weld quality verification without damaging the coupon.

4. Official WPQ Documentation & Delivery:

   Upon successful completion of all required welding tests, an official Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) record is meticulously prepared and signed by the CWI. This comprehensive package, including all supporting laboratory test reports, is securely delivered to your firm, formally confirming your welder's all-position qualification for structural steel welding.

Frequently Asked Questions about 3G/4G Plate Qualification

Ideal Industries & Applications for 3G/4G Qualified Welders

Welders holding an AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Plate Qualification are highly sought after in industries that demand peak versatility and welding quality.

This welding certification is ideal for professionals working in:Fabrication Shops:

Fabrication Shops:

• For manufacturing structural components that may be rotated or welded in various positions.

  Structural Steel Erection:

• Essential for field welding on buildings, bridges, and other large structures where vertical welding and overhead welding are common.

  Heavy Construction & Infrastructure:

• Projects involving pipelines, civil engineering structures, and large-scale installations benefit from all-position certified welders.

  Maintenance & Repair:

• For performing comprehensive welding tasks on existing structures and equipment that cannot be easily repositioned.

  Shipbuilding:

• Where welders frequently encounter all positions, including challenging overhead work, within vessel construction.

  General Contracting:

• Offering broad capabilities for diverse construction and industrial projects.

Unlocking Ultimate Versatility: What a 3G/4G Qualification Certifies

The most compelling advantage of the AWS D1.1 3G/4G plate qualification is its broad scope of coverage.

This single welding certification qualifies a welder for a vast array of production welding positions and joint types for plate within the AWS D1.1 code:

All-Position Groove Welds:

• A welder who successfully passes the 3G/4G test is qualified to perform groove welds in all positions (1G Flat, 2G Horizontal, 3G Vertical, and 4G Overhead) on plate. This includes both complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds and partial joint penetration (PJP) groove welds.

  All-Position Fillet Welds:

• This qualification also comprehensively covers fillet welds in all positions (1F Flat, 2F Horizontal, 3F Vertical, and 4F Overhead) on plate. This eliminates the need for any separate fillet weld certification tests for these positions, providing unparalleled efficiency.

  Thickness Qualification:

• The thickness of the test plate used for the 3G/4G test determines the qualified production thickness range.

  • For a 3/8" (9.5mm) test plate, the welder is typically qualified for a production thickness range of 1/8" (3.2mm) to 3/4" (19mm) for groove welds across all qualified positions.

  • For a 1" (25mm) test plate (or thicker), the welder achieves the highly valuable qualification for a range of 1/8" (3.2mm) to unlimited thickness for groove welds in all positions. This unlimited thickness qualification is critical for major structural steel projects and offers maximum flexibility.

  • For fillet welds, a successful 3G/4G groove weld test generally grants unlimited thickness qualification across all positions.

  Material Scope:

• This qualification applies to the specific materials (typically carbon and low-alloy steels) and electrode classifications used during the welding certification test, as outlined in AWS D1.1.

Common Welding Processes for 3G/4G All-Position Qualification

Don't miss out on the ultimate welder qualification for structural steel. Contact WeldCertTest today to discuss your 3G/4G plate qualification needs, receive a personalized quote, and begin your efficient path to AWS D1.1 compliance and unmatched welder performance qualification.

The AWS D1.1 3G/4G All-Position Plate Qualification represents the pinnacle of plate welding certification within the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code. This single, comprehensive test demonstrates a welder's exceptional proficiency across the most challenging positions – vertical (3G) and overhead (4G) – thereby granting all-position qualification for both groove and fillet welds on plate. For companies involved in diverse structural steel welding projects, a 3G/4G certified welder offers unparalleled versatility and ensures welding code compliance for virtually any joint configuration.

At Weld Cert Test, we understand the immense value of this welder qualification. We simplify your journey to achieving this advanced welder performance qualification (WPQ) through our efficient mail-in welding certification services, connecting you with rigorously vetted Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and testing laboratories nationwide. This page will provide an in-depth exploration of the 3G/4G plate qualification, outlining its extensive qualification ranges, the common welding processes used, the combined challenges it presents, and why it is the smart choice for maximum workforce flexibility.

Mastering the AWS D1.1 3G/4G Plate Qualification: Your Ultimate All-Position Welding Certification