Plasma cutting machines are used for all electrically conductive metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, etc.), with a maximum thickness of 160 mm.

Plasma cutting speed is faster than laser cutting for thick or medium thickness sheets, and oxy-cutting for medium or thin sheets. Generally speaking, plasma cutting is suitable for thick sheet metal.

The principle of plasma cutting is very similar to that of TIG welding: an electric arc is generated that ionizes the gas projected through the torch nozzle between the electrode and the piece to be cut. The gases most used in plasma cutting are compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen. Regardless of the gas used, the torch tip and electrode will need to be replaced regularly.

For occasional use, there are portable plasma cutting machines, which are quite practical.

Tectronix manufactures very robust, accurate and reliable CNC plasma cutting machines. The useful size varies from 1.2×2.0m to 6.0×30.0m, with plasma sources from 45A to 400A.