What is thermal plasma?

A thermal plasma is one close to thermal equilibrium, where electrons, ions and neutral particles all sit at a similarly high temperature — thousands of kelvin. Arc welding and plasma cutting torches work this way. It is the opposite of the non-thermal, or cold, plasma used for surface treatment, where only the electrons are energetic and the gas itself stays near room temperature, which is what allows plastics and finished assemblies to be treated without heat damage.

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