Abstract: A plasma arc torch is disclosed which has an elongated electrode with an open front and a nozzle with a plasma discharge opening that is coaxial with the electrode. A mounting arrangement includes a ceramic ring that engages the front end of the electrode and a gas ring which concentrically surrounds the ceramic ring. A forward portion of the gas ring, the forward end of the electrode, and the nozzle define a swirl chamber of the torch, and opposing, spaced-apart concentric cylindrical surfaces of the ceramic ring and the gas ring, respectively, form an annulus which extends rearwardly from the swirl chamber. The ceramic ring closes the aft end of the annulus, and the gas ring houses a plurality of plasma gas injection ports which are located immediately forward of the aft end of the annulus.