A plasma cutter is a tool used to cut through electrically conductive materials, such as metal, by using a high-velocity jet of ionized gas, or plasma. This process involves creating an electrical arc between an electrode and the workpiece, which heats the gas to a point where it becomes plasma. The intense heat allows the cutter to slice through materials quickly and efficiently. Plasma cutters are commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing and construction, for tasks like metal fabrication and repair. They can cut through materials of different thicknesses and are valued for their precision and speed compared to traditional cutting methods like oxy-fuel cutting.