Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutting is a metal fabrication process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas (plasma) to melt and sever electrically conductive materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper. It involves an electrical arc formed between an electrode and the workpiece, which heats the gas to plasma state, creating a focused cutting stream capable of precise cuts through various thicknesses. This method is widely used in industrial manufacturing, automotive repair, and construction for its speed, accuracy, and ability to handle complex shapes.
Developers should learn about plasma cutting when working in fields like robotics, automation, or CNC machining, as it integrates with software-controlled systems for precision cutting in manufacturing. It's essential for applications requiring custom metal parts, such as in prototyping, fabrication shops, or when developing hardware components for tech projects. Understanding plasma cutting helps in designing compatible software interfaces, optimizing cutting paths, and ensuring safety in automated environments.