PLASMA TORCH

A plasma torch capable of cutting in a dross free state, made possible by increased energy density of the arc jet, and whose operation efficiency is not reduced even with a low operating gas flow rate since the arc jet can be stably maintained in the plasma torch, and which has a high double arc resistance and excellent durability. This is realized by forming a velocity reduction space N from near a lower end (3b) of the electrode to a nozzle (9) at the front end of the plasma torch (1), the velocity reduction space being used for reducing the axial velocity component of the operating gas which flows along the outer periphery of an electrode (3). The velocity reduction space (N) is cylindrically shaped, and diameter (Dd) of the cylindrical shape is larger than diameter (da) of a lower end (3b) of the electrode. The velocity reduction space may be formed such that the diameter (Dd) of the cylindrical shape is larger than the diameter (da) of the lower end (3b) of the electrode and larger than the height (Ha) of the cylindrical space. The energy density of the arc jet is greater than 4 x 10 A .S/kg.