In simplest terms, plasma cutting is a process that uses a high-velocity jet of ionized gas that is delivered from a constricting orifice. The high-velocity ionized gas, that is, the plasma conducts electricity from the torch of the plasma cutter to the work piece. The plasma heats the workpiece, melting the material. The high-velocity stream of ionized gas mechanically blows the molten metal away, severing the material.