Overhead position
Overhead position: Welding from below upward on a horizontal surface. Requires high control of the arc.
Physical-chemical mechanism of action
Overhead position requires the welding arc to be directed from the lower to the upper part of the component wall. This can pose special challenges as the arc field is often disturbed by tools and the welder himself.
Metallurgical relevance & risks during welding
Inaccurate alignment of the arc can lead to uneven weld seams, porosity, or incomplete fusion. Furthermore, there is a risk of hot cracking and lack of fusion at the upper edge of the component wall.
Workshop practice & instructions
To ensure a successful overhead position, it is crucial:
• Align the arc so that it points directly at the weld seam and is not disturbed by tools or the welder.
• The component wall must be held stable to avoid distortion.
• For heavy materials, additional support at the upper edge is required.