This process uses a combination of oxygen and fuel gases, typically Acetylene. The metal is then heated to the kindling temperature with a torch, causing the metal to ignite. Oxygen is concentrated on the metal, burning it into a metal oxide. The metal oxide falls off the intact metal, removing the majority of the leftover metal. The heat that is produced by the metal oxide is what continues the cutting process. This creates a clean, smooth finish.

Plasma cutting is an electrical cutting process that works on conductive metals. Plasma is formed when gases are heated. The gases ionize and become electrically conductive. In Plasma Cutting, these gases are forced through a nozzle along with an electrical charge. This creates a plasma arc, cutting the material by melting and blowing the molten metal away.

Waterjet Cutting is a cold cutting process. With or without an abrasive agent, a jet of water slices into and through the metal at high pressure and velocity through a nozzle. Since this is a cold process, it does not change the material properties.