Abstract: The plasma torch produces a transferred arc and has only one electrode integrated in the torch with the counter electrode being provided by the material being treated. The torch includes an outer housing (3), a single hollow electrode (5) arranged in the outer housing (3) and a gas vortex generator device (7) connected with the electrode. The gas vortex generator device (7) includes a rotationally symmetric ring (R) provided with at least two rows of throughgoing holes (10) axially spaced from each other and an impact wall (P) associated with an upper row of the throughgoing holes, so that a satisfactory two-part gas vortex flow is formed. By varying the gas pressure in an oscillating manner, the spot of the arc is continuously displaced in an axial direction (A). An additional gas feed (8) is provided so that gas can be fed axially directly to the plasma jet.