What type of materials does the nontransferred arc process cut?

The nontransferred arc cutting process is specifically designed to work on materials that do not conduct electricity, such as ceramics and concrete. In this process, the arc is formed between the electrode and the workpiece, but the electrical path does not transfer through the workpiece itself as it does in transferred arc processes.

This method is highly effective for cutting or degrading materials like ceramics, which typically have very high resistance and do not allow electrical current to pass through them easily. Concrete also falls into this category since it is not an electrical conductor. The arc can generate intense heat necessary to break down these materials without relying on the conductivity of the workpiece, making the nontransferred arc process suitable for cutting or shaping these specific types of non-conductive materials.

Other materials, like finely crafted metals, wood, and plastics, do not align with the nontransferred arc's capability. Additionally, while metals with high resistance might seem plausible, the nature of the nontransferred arc is not suited for typical metallic cutting, as metals generally require sufficient electrical conductivity to facilitate the process.