Abstract: An apparatus and a method for plasma cutting metal. The plasma torch has a plasma chamber located on its main body. Both a cutting gas supply duct, and an ignition gas supply duct open into the plasma chamber. The ignition gas supply duct is partly separate from the cutting gas supply duct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma arc cutting process for cutting a metal workpiece, in which a dual-gas-flow torch fitted with an electrode with an emissive insert is used, the said torch delivering a central gas stream and an annular gas stream, the said annular stream being delivered peripherally to the central gas stream, characterized in that the central gas stream contains a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture and the peripheral gas stream contains carbon dioxide. The invention also relates to a unit comprising such a torch.