Learn about plasma cutting The core of the Farley business since foundation has been in the area of plasma and flame cutting. Plasma cutting is an electrical conducting process that uses a high velocity jet of ionized gas, the plasma, delivered through an orifice, to heat the workpiece and melt the material. The high velocity plasma stream of ionized gas mechanically blows the molten metal away, severing the material. The technology is in control and focusing the plasma, such that it can cut through and conductive material, and do it smoothly and economically. Plasma has come a long way in the last 35 years. Recent advances have increased energy levels to boost plasma cutting speeds while improving cut quality.