Plasma Arc Column
The thermally ionized and electrically conductive gas region between the electrode and the workpiece that provides the energy required for plasma cutting.
In plasma cutting, a gas is forced through a nozzle and ionized by an arc, creating a conductive plasma. This plasma melts the metal and blows it out of the kerf. If the plasma arc doesn't burn cleanly or breaks off, you get rough cuts, slag, and in the worst case, damage to the workpiece. The cause is often incorrect gas pressure, a worn nozzle or electrode, or wrong standoff distance between torch and workpiece. Make sure the gas supply is clean and pressure is constant. Replace nozzle and electrode in time when worn, and guide the torch with steady standoff. Then the plasma burns stable and the cut is clean.