In CNC plasma cutting, an accelerated jet of hot plasma is utilized to cut through electrically conductive materials. Typical materials cut with a plasma cutter include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. Other electrically conductive materials can also be cut.

In CNC flame cutting, an oxy-fuel gas flame is used to cut through the material. It is also known as oxy-fuel cutting. This process is typically used for separating and shaping steel components.

The following machine performs both functions, plasma and flame cutting, alternatively.