Pilot Arc vs Non-Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between pilot arc and non-pilot arc plasma cutters and discover which one is ideal for your metal cutting needs.
Run clean, dry air and set the regulator with flow on. Attach the work lead to bright metal, install fresh consumables, and power on. For pilot-arc torches, let the pilot establish, then move to the work to transfer; for contact-start, touch the shield to the edge to strike and lift to cut height. Start from an edge when possible; for pierces, use the charted pierce height/delay, hold vertical, and begin with a short lead-in. Maintain cut height with a drag shield, stand-off gauge, or THC and keep a steady travel speed—look for even drag lines and minimal dross. At cut end, pause briefly, overlap 1–2 mm, then let post-flow cool the torch.

Learn the key differences between pilot arc and non-pilot arc plasma cutters and discover which one is ideal for your metal cutting needs.