Where is a Boutet ignitor placed during the welding process, unless using an electronic ignition system?

The proper placement of the Boutet ignitor during the thermite welding process is on the crucible cap. This is because the Boutet ignitor is designed to initiate the exothermic reaction required for thermite welding by igniting the thermite mixture contained within the crucible. Positioning the ignitor on the crucible cap ensures that the ignition occurs directly above the thermite material, providing optimal conditions for effective combustion.

When using an electronic ignition system, the placement of the ignitor may vary or be unnecessary; however, when relying on a standard ignitor, the cap serves as the most efficient location to guarantee a successful weld. Other locations would not provide the same level of effectiveness, as they may not directly interact with the thermite composition, which needs to be ignited for the welding to proceed efficiently.