Abstract: A method of plasma multiarc welding by permanently burning direct-current arcs of different polarities makes use of a plasma forming gas and shielding mediums and the arcs are located so that the adjacent arcs have opposite polarities, consisting, according to the invention, in that all arcs are started between nonconsumable electrodes and a workpiece or some arcs are started between nonconsumable electrodes and a workpiece and other arcs are started between consumable electrodes and a workpiece, the currents of all arcs and the distance between the arcs being set so that the ratio of the product of the currents of two adjacent arcs to the distance therebetween is equal or more than 6.10.sup.3 A.sup.2 /cm.

Abstract: A method of DC reverse polarity plasma-arc machining of electrically conductive materials with the aid of a plasmatron the plasmatron having a nonconsumable electrode with an insert made from a high-melting point material, the method being in that the material being machined is heated by the heat of an electric arc burning between the positive nonconsumable electrode of the plasmatron and the material being machined, with the supply of the plasma-forming gas, the intensity of the working current of the arc being selected such that its ratio to the diameter of the nozzle channel is within 50 to 100 A/mm on condition that at least a portion of the near-the-electrode zone of the arc is maintained in electric contact with the high-melting point insert of the electrode.