What does plasma arc cutting primarily use to pierce, cut, and gouge metal?

Plasma arc cutting primarily uses a jet of plasma to pierce, cut, and gouge metal. Plasma, which is created when gas is ionized, turns into a superheated state that exhibits both gaseous and conductive properties. This high-temperature plasma stream is initiated by passing an electric current through a gas, allowing it to reach temperatures that can exceed 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit (around 16,600 degrees Celsius).

When the plasma jet comes into contact with metal, it transfers its intense heat to melt the material and expel it, effectively cutting through various types of metals. The focused nature of the plasma arc allows for precise cuts, making this technique ideal for various applications in metalworking.

In contrast, the other options do not apply to plasma arc cutting. A beam of light does not have the necessary thermal conductivity to cut metals; instead, it represents a method utilized in processes like laser cutting. A stream of water lacks sufficient heat to effectively melt and cut metals, serving better in water jet cutting techniques. Similarly, a blade made of diamond is designed for slicing hard materials but lacks the capacity to create the high-temperature conditions required for effectively cutting metal.