Notes on Using GURPS Ultra-Tech (4e) in TS: Chapter 1

[dscheidt]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Note that an oxy-acetylene torch (in fact, just about any torch) is technically a plasma cutter. Flame is plasma.

It's a pretty big stretch to say an oxy-acetylene torch a plasma cutter. The material removal method is very different. The oxygen-fuel torch oxidizes the steel (and it's really only steel you can cut with an oxygen torch). With big pieces, you can turn the fuel gas off, and cut wit h pure oxygen. The oxidation is exothermic enough to keep going. With a plasma cutter, the material is simply melted and blown out of the kerf. That means that a plasma cutter can cut anything that will support an arc. Newish tech lets the arc be contained in the cutter's torch, and they can cut many more materials.