Plasma torches connect to compatible plasma cutters to make precise cuts or gouges in metals such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They create minimal slag and cause minimal distortion when used on thin materials. The plasma cutter supplies current to the plasma torch and an electrode held in the torch. The electrode generates an arc that is carried in a stream of compressed gas that is focused as it flows through the torch's nozzle. This stream of ionized compressed gas (or plasma) melts the workpiece material and blows the molten material away to create a cut or gouge in the workpiece.