A non-contact cutter for a polymer corner protector disposed on a load includes an air manifold having an inlet and an outlet and defining an air passage and a heating element disposed at least in part in the air passage. A compressed gas is communicated to the manifold and into the air passage for intimate contact with the heating element to heat the gas. The heated gas is discharged through the outlet to contact and soften the polymer corner protector at a desired location to separate the corner protector at the desired location. A system and method for non-contact cutting are disclosed.