Plasma arc machining (PAM) uses a high-temperature plasma jet to melt and remove material. It works by ionizing gas into a plasma state over 50,000°C and directing it as a high-velocity stream onto the workpiece. PAM can machine hard metals with good accuracy and at a fast rate. It finds applications in tube mills, welding of specialty alloys, and nuclear systems. While expensive initially, PAM provides precision control. Variations include conventional, air, and dual-flow plasma arc cutting.