Which method of plasma cutting is characterized by the arc being transferred to the material being cut?

In plasma cutting, the method that is characterized by the arc being transferred to the material being cut is known as the transferred arc. In this process, an electrical arc is established between the electrode and the workpiece, allowing the plasma to transfer its energy directly into the material. This results in efficient cutting and is suitable for a variety of conductive materials.

The transferred arc method offers several advantages, including a higher cutting speed and the ability to cut through thicker materials due to the increased heat generated directly on the workpiece. The ionized gas or plasma flows from the nozzle towards the material, maintaining a stable arc as it effectively melts and removes material.

Other methods such as the non-transferred arc maintain the arc between the electrode and the nozzle without making contact with the workpiece, which prevents efficient cutting. Conventional cuts and low-current cuts describe specific operating conditions or techniques but do not involve the direct transfer of the arc to the material being cut. Understanding these distinctions is vital when choosing the appropriate cutting method for different applications in welding and metal fabrication.