The research history, current situation and development trends of pyrotechnic cutting technology in the United States and China were introduced. Pyrotechnic cutting principles include metal-jet principle and chemical corrosion principle, Pyrotechnical compounds mainly focus on thermite at the same time adding halogen-containing polymers. Cutting torch already can be held by hand, and could be carried out underwater. The nozzle on cutting torch can concentrate energy, and cutting torches have pressure relief structure for security. Pyrotechnic cutting technology has a wide range of applications in disaster rescue,ammunition destruction and so on.