Hypertherm Inc. (www.hypertherm.com) has introduced a new compact plasma cutting system - the Powermax30 - that is designed for on-the-job use with a tapered torch. The torch is engineered to provide improved arc visibility and flexibility in hard-to-reach locations. The 20 pound Powermax30 is compact and portable, yet capable of cutting metals to thicknesses of 0.375-in. (10 mm) and severing metals to thicknesses of 0.500 in. (12 mm). It can be used to manual cut mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

The system is designed for for applications with tough environments in the automotive; aviation; steel construction; farming; site maintenance; heating, ventilating and air conditioning fabrication/installation; plumbing and any other job requiring flexible, on-the-spot metal working. It is available with a carrying case that includes a circle-cutting guide, gloves, system shoulder strap, and additional consumables.

Hypertherm said the Powermax30 has excellent cut quality, small heat-affected zone, and excellent fine feature cutting. The simple user interface and rapid set-up further add to productivity. The system's long consumable life, high productivity and cut quality combine to make it a low cost maintenance tool. The power supply is reliable due to the reduced number of components.

Compared with earlier generations of portable plasma systems, the new manual 30 amp plasma cutting tool is smaller, lighter, and more powerful. It is designed so that an operator can carry it easily. It is 12 in. by 6.6 in. by 14-in. (305 mm by 168 mm by 355-mm), and the company said it can cut through metal at speeds as much as ten times higher than oxyfuel cutting or other traditional methods that use nibblers, snips and cutting wheels. The system's software is designed to deliver three times greater refiring capability on expanded metal. With its auto-voltage (115/230 V), the Powermax30 combines the convenience of 115-V operation, with added capacity supported by 230-V input.

Hypertherm said a new torch design features a small-angled retaining cap to enhance visibility of the cut and the ability to access corners. Compared with earlier cap designs, the company said its new cap is seven times more resistant to heat and physical abuse. A deflector that snaps onto the retaining cap for added protection eliminates any chance of nozzle arcing when edge starting. No special care is required, as there are no breakable ceramic torch parts a safety trigger protects against accidental starts.

The Powermax30's post-flow cooling feature provides long torch life and high flexibility in consumable handling.

An interrupt feature automatically stops the post-flow cooling for rapid refiring. Safety interlocks deactivate the torch when consumables are removed while a built-in parts compartment keeps consumables close at hand.

The HyPerformance plasma torch upgrade kits from Hypertherm are for HyDefinition HD3070 systems. Hypertherm also has introduced a new HyPerformance plasma torch upgrade for its existing HyDefinition HD3070 metal cutting systems. The company said that this upgrade provides better cut quality, increased productivity, and lower operating costs for owners of older HD3070 systems. The HyPerformance plasma solution achieves the virtually dross-free quality of HyDefinition cutting, and does it with exteneded life for consumables and faster cutting speeds. Operating costs after upgrade are as much as 50 percent lower, and cut speeds are as much as 20 percent faster on mild steel. Torch upgrade kits for the HD3070 are available with HyPerformance machine torch assembly, quick disconnect, pressure test gauges kit and hoses, and a field service bulletin. Consumable parts kits for mild steel and stainless steel cutting are sold separately. The upgrade kit and installation assistance are available through authorized Hypertherm partners.