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Hypertherm is one of the most known and trusted names in the world of plasma cutters. One of the best products in their line of plasma cutters is the Powermax 45. It’s a well built, multi-purpose tool that is designed for reliability and power. Learn more about what this system has to offer in our Hypertherm Powermax 45 review below.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced pro, you’ll find it simple setting up and using this machine. The control panel on the front of the unit offers two options for adjustments: amperage and mode switch. So using a knob, you can adjust the amperage to anywhere between 0 – 45 amps.
As for the mode switch, you have the following mode options: continuous pilot arc for painted or rusty metals, non-continuous pilot arc for the standard metal of varying thickness and the gouging mode for punching holes in plate metal.
The unit also comes with a 20 foot torch and a 20 foot clamp lead. So you have a total of 40 foot to move around.
Drag-Cutting Technology
Using a typical plasma cutter, you usually hold the tip of the torch at a certain distance above the place where you want to cut. However, it’s difficult to maintain a steady height with your hand and it often results in uneven and ugly cuts.
Hypertherm came up with a solution to this problem. Its drag-cutting technology allows dragging the torch right on the metal. The front of the torch is equipped with the shielded technology that electrically isolates the nozzle from the workpiece.
There are a few advantages to this technology. First of all, the operator doesn’t worry anymore about holding a steady hand. The technology will help to maintain an even height and in most cases, you’ll have a more accurate cut. Also, it helps to increase consumable life as there’ll be less spatter to deal with.
Great Cut Quality
Using 45 amps of power and 240V outlet, the system has the capacity to cut through up to ½” metal. The severance capacity is 1”. And you can expect smooth and even cuts. It achieves that thanks to the drag-cutting technology and consumables.
Hypertherm consumables are also known to have a longer lifespan compared to other plasma cutters. Over time this will save you money and can offset the higher price point. There’s also an ample number of consumables and attachments available. So you can choose the best ones for the project at hand.
Using a different torch type or consumables, there’s a variety of things you can do with this plasma cutter.
Cutting. This involves heating electrically conductive metal and then forcefully blowing it away with plasma. There are also several different ways you can do cutting with this plasma cutter. Depending on the chosen consumables, you can either bevel, drag, or do extended reach cutting or fine cutting.
Gouging. It’s a process similar to plasma cutting but uses different consumables. With the Powermax 45, you can maximum control gouging, extended reach gouging, and precision gouging.
This plasma cutter can also be set up with an optional handheld or mechanized torch if you’d want to use it with automated cutting machinery.
Hypertherm Powermax 45 Pros and Cons
The Good
Lightweight – weighs just 33 pounds.
Even first time users will find it easy to operate this system.
Simple controls.
Rated cutting capacity is ½” at 20 IPM.
Precision cut quality.
High gouge quality.
Drag-cutting technology.
The versatility of applications.
3-year warranty for the power supply and a 1-year warranty for the torch.
The Bad
The price tag. However, it does offer great value for money.
Hypertherm Powermax 45 is an incredibly built cutter that offers lots of power, versatility, and precision results. It’s equipped with the features to make the cleanest and even cuts every time. You can use it for a variety of applications and you’ll have a wide array of consumables to choose from.
