What is the 4G Plate Qualification Test?

The 4G welding position involves performing a groove weld on a plate that is positioned horizontally above the welder. The weld is executed from underneath the joint, requiring the welder to work against gravity as molten metal and slag attempt to fall. This setup demands precise molten metal control, careful heat input management, and exceptional dexterity and stability while operating in an often uncomfortable position.

The "4" designates the position (overhead), and the "G" signifies a groove weld. The 4G plate test is widely considered the most challenging of all plate welding positions due to the direct gravitational pull on the weld puddle. Achieving this welder qualification demonstrates a welder's highest level of skill, control, and adaptability, signifying their readiness for any structural welding scenario.

The Power of 4G: Unlocking All-Position Qualification

Successfully passing the AWS D1.1 4G Plate Qualification offers the most comprehensive range of production welding positions and joint types for plate welding.

This single test is often sought after because it qualifies the welder for:

• All-Position Groove Welds:

  Qualification for flat (1G), horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) production groove welds on plate. This covers both complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds and partial joint penetration (PJP) groove welds.

  AllPosition Fillet Welds:

• This qualification also extends to fillet welds in all positions (1F Flat, 2F Horizontal, 3F Vertical, and 4F Overhead) on plate, eliminating the need for separate fillet weld certification in these positions. This is a significant advantage, providing maximum versatility.

Thickness Qualification Range:

The thickness of the test plate used for the 4G test directly influences the qualified production thickness range for your welding certification:

• 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 in 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 across all positions.

• This unlimited thickness qualification is a hallmark of an expert structural steel welder.

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

Common Welding Processes for 4G Overhead Qualification

Your 4G Plate Qualification Process with Weld Cert Test

Achieve All-Position Certification:

• The 4G test is your most direct path to gaining all-position qualification (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G) for plate, providing ultimate versatility for your welders.

  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.

  Streamlined Efficiency:

• 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 for the 4G position.

  Uncompromising Compliance:

• Every 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.

  Expert Network & 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about 4G Plate Qualification

Overcoming the Challenges of 4G Overhead Welding

The AWS D1.1 4G Plate Qualification can be achieved using a variety of welding processes permitted by the code.

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 widely used for 4G, demanding exceptional electrode manipulation and control to manage the challenging overhead puddle. Electrodes like E7018 (low hydrogen) are common due to their excellent all-position capabilities and slag characteristics.

  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 4G overhead welding due to their high deposition rates and ability to support the molten weld puddle. Careful slag management and arc control are crucial.

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW):

• Commonly known as "MIG Welding," GMAW in the 4G position requires very precise control of parameters (voltage, wire feed speed) and a short arc length to prevent excessive sag and ensure proper fusion. Short circuit transfer mode is often preferred for overhead.

  Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW):

• While less common for thick structural steel, "TIG Welding" can also be used for 4G qualification, particularly for applications requiring superior weld quality and precise control in challenging overhead positions.

The 4G plate qualification is known for its difficulty, requiring a welder to overcome several significant challenges:

Combating Gravity:

• The primary challenge is preventing molten metal and slag from falling due or sagging excessively. This demands constant, precise control over arc length, travel speed, and electrode angle (often a slight push or drag angle depending on the process).

  Heat Management:

• Controlling heat input is critical to avoid overheating, which can lead to excessive sag, burn-through, or internal defects. Proper interpass temperature control is also essential between weld passes.

  Maintaining Position & Stability:

• Working overhead can be physically demanding. Maintaining a steady hand, stable body position, and consistent travel is crucial for creating a uniform and sound weld bead.

  Spatter & Safety:

• Overhead welding often produces more hot spatter and metal droplets. Welders must employ proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and techniques to manage these safely while maintaining visibility.

  Arc Visibility:

• Working from underneath, coupled with spatter and slag, can obscure the weld puddle. Welders must develop techniques to maintain clear arc visibility and ensure proper weld penetration and bead placement.

  Consistent Travel Speed & Arc Length:

• A uniform travel speed and a short, tight arc length are paramount. This helps minimize spatter, reduce the risk of undercut, and ensure even deposition of filler metal, preventing lack of fusion or slag entrapment.

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 4G groove weld adheres to all AWS D1.1 welding inspection requirements.

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

1. Initial Consultation & Requirements:

   Contact Weld Cert Test with your welder qualification needs. We'll provide exact 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 4G groove weld on the specified test plate according to your Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). 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 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 two face bends and two root bends for groove welds). 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 weldquality 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.

Q: Is the 4G (overhead) welding position the hardest?

A: Yes, the 4G (overhead) position is widely considered the most challenging of all welding positions due to the constant fight against gravity, which makes molten weld puddle control and slag management extremely difficult. It requires exceptional skill and precision.

Q: Does a 4G qualification cover all welding positions?

A: Yes, a successful 4G groove weld qualification on plate typically qualifies the welder for all groove weld positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G) and all fillet weld positions (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F) on plate, making it an extremely comprehensive welding certification.

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

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

Q: What type of destructive tests are performed for 4G plate qualification?

A: The primary destructive tests for a 4G plate groove weld are guided bend tests (typically two face bends and two root bends). These tests are critical for assessing the internal weld soundness, ductility, and absence of internal flaws like porosity or slag inclusions.

Q: How often does a 4G welding certification need to be renewed?

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 active qualification.

Don't let the complexities of overhead welding qualification be a barrier to your projects. Contact WeldCertTest today to discuss your 4G plate qualification needs, receive a personalized quote, and begin your efficient path to AWS D1.1 compliance and the ultimate all-position welder performance qualification.

Why Choose WeldCertTest for Your AWS D1.1 4G Qualification?

The 4G Plate Qualification, as defined by the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code, stands as the ultimate welder qualification test for plate in the groove weld category. It certifies a welder's exceptional ability to perform welds in the highly demanding overhead position. Successfully passing this test is a pinnacle achievement, as it typically grants all-position qualification (1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G) for both groove and fillet welds on plate, making it indispensable for any comprehensive structural steel welding project.

At Weld Cert Test, we understand the critical nature of this welding certification. We streamline your path to achieving this advanced welder performance qualification through our efficient mail-in welding certification services, connecting you with certified AWS CWIs and accredited testing laboratories nationwide. This page will provide an in-depth understanding of the 4G plate qualification, detailing the test setup, its extensive qualification ranges, the welding processes commonly employed, and the unique challenges associated with overhead position welding.

Mastering the AWS D1.1 4G Plate Qualification: Achieve All-Position Welding Certification

Ready to Achieve Your AWS D1.1 4G Plate Welding Certification and All-Position Status?