The basic difference is that HF start cutters, which comprise the majority of cheap cutters on the market, need direct electrical contact with the workpiece to start the cutting action.

In the case of a basic, but essential, process like metal cutting, there are various choices competing for manufacturers’ investment. Kerf Developments Ltd. offers a full range of cutting technologies ...

Chicago Electric’s 240-volt plasma cutter is listed at $650 and can cut up to half-inch steel plates.

Plasma dicing achieves the same outcome with a dry etching process that uses a fluorine plasma to etch away the material in the dicing lanes between the chips. Plasma dicing is gaining acceptance ...