Plasma cutting is a process that cuts through electrically conductive materials by an accelerated jet of ionized gas (plasma). The basic cutting process utilizes a compressed gas which is blown through a focused nozzle at high speed toward the work piece. An electrical arc is then formed within the gas, between an electrode near to the gas nozzle and the work piece with sufficient heat to melt through the metal. Plasma cutting is often used in fabrication, automotive repair and industrial construction where high speed, precision cuts are required. Plasma cutting sees widespread usage from large scale industrial CNC applications down to small hobbyist shops.

Common gases used are: