A technician needs to cut a 25 mm thick steel plate to fabricate a new mounting bracket. They have access to an oxy-acetylene cutting torch and an air plasma cutter. The cut needs to be relatively clean and precise with minimal heat affected zone (HAZ) distortion. Which cutting method would be most suitable for this task?

Question: A technician needs to cut a 25 mm thick steel plate to fabricate a new mounting bracket. They have access to an oxy-acetylene cutting torch and an air plasma cutter. The cut needs to be relatively clean and precise with minimal heat affected zone (HAZ) distortion. Which cutting method would be most suitable for this task?

Answer options: ✅ Air plasma cutter

• Oxy-acetylene cutting torch
• Hacksaw
• Angle grinder with a cutting disc

Correct answer: Air plasma cutter

Explanation: An air plasma cutter is generally preferred for cutting steel plates up to 25 mm thick when a cleaner, more precise cut with less distortion and a smaller HAZ is desired compared to oxy-acetylene cutting. While oxy-acetylene can cut this thickness, it typically leaves a wider kerf and more slag. A hacksaw is too slow and impractical for 25 mm plate, and an angle grinder would produce a less precise cut and be labour-intensive for a long cut.