Plasma Cutting History: The Evolution of Plasma Cutting

In the world of modern metal fabrication, plasma cutting is ubiquitous. The low cost, ease of use, and capabilities of plasma cutting systems make them practical for a wide variety of everyday uses. That hasn’t always been the case, however.

Here’s how plasma cutting evolved to the current-day state:

(Plasma Cutting History Flowchart: click to enlarge)

Over the past sixty-four years, plasma cutting systems have become more capable, less expensive, and far easier to operate. Cut speed and quality is far above and beyond what Union Carbide could have imagined in 1957. Cutting systems that once took up an entire room may now be slung over an operator’s shoulder and carried up a ladder. Technology that once only the largest of corporations could afford is now priced affordably to even the most price-conscious of consumers. Oxy-fuel torches, once a go-to, now collect dust in many fabrication and repair shops.

What will the future bring for plasma cutting technology? Nobody knows, but it is a safe bet to say that this shop staple isn’t going to disappear anytime soon.

To learn more about plasma cutting technology you can read our welding blogs!