Plasma-arc torches are sci-fi made real. And they slice through steel so easily, anyone can use them.
Posted 02.06.2004 at 1:55 pm
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Photographs by Jeff Sciortino (2) The plasma cutting this spiral is eight times hotter than the Sun, but the heat is so concentrated the string won't burn.
Photographs by Jeff Sciortino (2)
Dept.: Gray Matter
Investigator: Theodore Gray
Shop Tech: Plasma-arc torches
Project: Metal spiral
Time: 45 minutes
Element: Hafnium -- Appearance: Exotic and ductile heavy metal with
smooth silvery surface and high corrosion resistance Most common uses: Nuclear control rods, plasma-arc
torches, incandescent lamps and alloys Melting temp: 2,229
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