The Versatility of Plasma
Plasma systems are effective tools for a wide variety of cutting and gouging applications on all types of electrically conductive metal. Hypertherm offers plasma systems for use by hand or machine for a wide range of metal thicknesses and forms.
Hole Cutting
Hypertherm's patent pending True Hole™ cutting technology for mild steel is a specific combination of cutting parameters that is automatically optimized for each material thickness and hole size. True Hole technology virtually eliminates taper and minimizes and biases the ding to the outside of the hole, making it bolt-ready. True Hole technology produces up to a 50% improvement in mild steel hole cylindricity when compared to other plasma systems available on the market. Learn more about True Hole™ technology.Read the article by Hypertherm's Jim Colt, New Plasma Cutting Technology Takes Care of the "Hole" Issue, to learn more about True Hole technology and Hole Cutting.
Mechanized cutting
Mechanized cutting is ideal for those looking to increase their productivity while achieving precise, clean cuts; cutting complex shapes; and nesting those shapes for the most efficient use of metal. Many mechanized cutting applications utilize a straight torch mounted on a multi-axis gantry on an x-y table and controlled by a computer numeric controller (CNC). Hypertherm plasma systems are also used with other mechanized systems including robots, track cutters, pipe and beam cutters, and pipe bevellers. For more information view the Mechanized Plasma page or the Pipeline Cutting and Beveling application profile.
Handheld cutting
Hypertherm's Powermax systems are designed primarily for handheld cutting of metal thicknesses up to 1¾". Handheld cutting, which can be done freehand or with a template or cutting guide, is common in many industries including general fabrication, automotive repair, shipbuilding, and facility and equipment maintenance. For more information about systems for handheld cutting, view the Manual Plasma page.
Gouging
Gouging is the process of removing metal from the surface of the plate without fully penetrating it. Applications include back-gouging for weld preparation; removing surplus metal; repairing cracks and imperfections; and removing old welds. Gouging can be done by hand or machine. For more about gouging with plasma, view the gouging application profile.
Bevel Cutting
Bevel cutting produces an angle on the edge of parts being cut, often in advance of welding the edge. Bevel cutting can be done with either a handheld or a mechanized torch. Generally, a guide will be used with a handheld torch to ensure that the bevel angle remains constant. With a mechanized torch, the bevel angle is programmed into the CNC. For more information...
Robotic
The multi-axis requirements of robotic plasma cutting in structural steel and other three dimensional applications are made easier with Hypertherm's new robotic solutions. Our integrated strain relief with rotational flexibility for improved robustness was specifically designed for use in this dynamic cutting environment. Other options such as an infinite rotation torch sleeve, leather overwrap, and laser pointer extend the Hypertherm solutions available for the robotic market. For more information...
