1. HF (High Frequency) Contact. This method is generally used in low budget equipment since it cannot be used for CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Plasma Cutting operations. To generate plasma, this method uses a high frequency, high voltage spark. When the plasma torch touches the material to be cut, thereby closing the circuit, the spark fires into the torch head and plasma is created.

2. Pilot Arc. This method is a little more involved since it produces plasma in two cycles. Cycle one: inside the body of the torch a low current, high voltage circuit creates a high intensity spark. This spark creates a small volume of plasma (the pilot arc). Cycle two: the pilot arc remains static until the torch head is touched to the metal at which point a trigger allows the pilot arc to light the main flow of gas and plasma cutting begins.