What is a cnc plasma cutter?

The acronym CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. This means a computer controls how and where the plasma torch cuts instead of shaky and distraction prone human hands.

This plasma torch is precisely moving across the metal, but how is it cutting? The torch uses electricity to reach a temperature four times hotter than the sun (40,000 Degrees F). As a result, the metal below the torch is instantly liquified. The compressed gas running through the torch then blows the liquid metal away, creating the desired hole.

Above is the simplified explanation, if you are interested in more detail visit Hypertherm or Arclight.