What metals can be cut using plasma arc cutting?

• A. Only non-conductive metals
• B. All metals
• C. Any metals that are electrically conductive
• D. Metals with low melting point

Answer: (C)

Plasma arc cutting relies on an electrical arc to heat and melt the metal, and that arc must complete a circuit through the workpiece. The torch creates a plasma jet and forms the arc between its electrode and the metal; current flows from the power supply through the plasma and into the workpiece. For the arc to form and maintain cutting, the workpiece must be electrically conductive, providing a path back to the power supply. Because of this, plasma cutting works on metals that conduct electricity, while non-conductive materials cannot be cut this way. The ability to cut isn’t about having a low melting point; metals with high melting points can still be cut as long as they are conductive.