Thermal cutting is a process that uses heat to cut materials, particularly metals. The heat creates a melting or combustion reaction that makes the cut possible. There are different types of thermal cutting, including plasma, oxyfuel and laser cutting.

Plasma cutting involves directing a jet of ionized gas at high temperatures onto the cut surface to melt and cut the material. Oxy-fuel cutting, on the other hand, uses a flame generated by the combustion of oxygen and fuel gas to cut the material. Laser cutting uses a concentrated laser beam to heat and melt the material.

One of the strengths of thermal cutting is its ability to cut materials with high precision and speed. It leaves smooth, clean cut edges, making it a preferred method for many industrial applications.