What does the code 3GF indicate in FCAW welding?

• A. Vertical position with a combination of groove and fillet weld
• B. Flat position with a fillet weld
• C. Horizontal position with a groove weld
• D. Vertical position with only a groove weld

Answer: (A)

The number tells you the welding position, and the letters tell you the weld type. The 3 means you’re welding in the vertical orientation. The G says the joint is a groove weld, where the plates are joined by filling a groove. The F adds that a fillet weld is also required. When both G and F are shown, it means you must perform a weld that includes both groove and fillet features in the vertical position — a groove weld that also incorporates a fillet weld. In practice, the joint is filled as a groove and a fillet bead is added where needed to meet the design, so the combined weld is used. This is distinct from a vertical groove weld alone (which would not require the fillet) or from flat or horizontal welds (which would use different position codes).