1968 |
Dick Couch, president of Hypertherm, invents what is perhaps the greatest breakthrough since the initial discovery of plasma cutting in the 1950s. Mr. Couch invents Water Injection Cutting, a process that involves radially injecting water into the nozzle. The end result is a faster and better cut, as well as less dross. Also, double arcing is virtually eliminated. |
1969 |
Hypertherm rolls out its very first plasma cutter-the PAC400 |
1972 |
Hypertherm makes plasma cutting safer by developing a water muffler and water table to lessen the noise, smoke, and light that traditionally occur during the cutting process. |
1973 |
Hypertherm comes out with the PAC500 |
1977 |
Hypertherm develops underwater cutting technology, allowing plasma cutting to take place under 2 to 3 inches of water. |
1983 |
Hypertherm comes out with a new technique that involves using oxygen as the cutting gas and introducing water at the tip of the nozzle. This process called “Oxygen Injected Plasma Cutting” helps solve the problem of rapidly deteriorating electrodes and oxidizing metal encountered 20 years earlier. |
1986 |
Hypertherm designs and patents an underwater water muffler that increases cut quality and speed during underwater cutting. |
1987 |
Hypertherm unveils a blowback torch that eliminates high frequency arc starting. |
1989 |
An air injected shield nozzle, developed by Hypertherm, is introduced to protect the nozzle during the metal piercing process |
1990 |
Another first for the plasma cutting industry as Hypertherm develops a plasma system that can successfully cut up to 4 1/2 inches of metal under 15 feet of water. This breakthrough helps the atomic power industry dismantle old power plants. |
1992 |
Hypertherm introduces HyDefinition technology, a breakthrough that helps produce better quality cuts at faster speeds. At the same time, the company also comes out with a vented two-piece nozzle that stabilizes the plasma arc precisely in the center of the electrode. This consistency increases electrode and nozzle process life. |
1993 |
Hypertherm celebrates its 25th anniversary |
1999 |
Hypertherm develops coaxial assisted jet technology. The new technology involves directing gas flow to the plasma arc using a common axel. This allows users to cut thicker metal at faster speeds. Hypertherm unveils the Powermax600-which has gone on to become the best selling Powermax of all time. |
2001 |
Hypertherm president Dick Couch is elected to the National Academy of Engineering. The Powermax1000 and Powermax1250, Hypertherm’s first third generation plasma cutters are introduced. These two new systems incorporate innovative power-supply and torch technologies for dramatically improved performance. |
2002 |
Patented SilverPlus electrodes are rolled out by Hypertherm. The electrodes use a silver tip to diffuse more heat during cutting. This results in electrodes that last up to three times longer than standard electrodes. The Powermax1000 and Powermax1250, Hypertherm's first third generation plasma cutters are introduced. These two new systems incorporate innovative power-supply and torch technologies for dramatically improved performance. |
2003 |
Hypertherm unveils HyPerformance plasma, a new system that delivers the same virtually dross free cut quality as the HyDefinition line of cutters, but with greater speed and a consumable life that is up to two times longer. |
2006 |
Hypertherm introduces the Powermax30, a highly portable plasma cutting system that weighs just 20 pounds. Although small, the Powermax30 lives up to Hypertherm's high performance standards with its ability to sever metal up to a half inch thick. The new Powermax also features a redesigned torch with a tapered front that makes it easier for operators to see and move the torch in hard to reach areas. Hypertherm receives the Corporate Spirit of Service award for its commitment to volunteer service. |
2008 |
Hypertherm celebrates 40 years of plasma innovation with the introduction of the Powermax45, a small and versatile single gas system capable of severing an inch of metal if needed. The company also unveils the industry’s first 400 amp HyPerformance system—the HPR400XD—and learns it is the recipient of the prestigious Trowbridge Award for Excellence in Community Service. View Hypertherm's website celebrating 40 years of constant innovation and new technologies in thermal cutting. |
2009 |
Hypertherm begins shipping its new HPR400XD to customers worldwide. At the same time, the company acquires MTC Software, a well respected developer of computer aided manufacturing software. |
