| 摘要 |
Methods and apparatus for initiating an arc (e.g., a welding arc) by directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation at an ionizable chemical placed on the surface of a workpiece, on the torch or some other location in proximity to the gap between the torch and the workpiece. This is done while a potential difference is applied between an electrode of the torch and the workpiece. The radiation vaporizes the chemical to form ionized gas that renders the gap between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied potential difference, the arc will be initiated.
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