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The undisputed world leaders in plasma cutting, when you want the best. The complete range of Hypertherm Powermax Air Plasma Cutters with Accessories. Open for more information and options.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing a professional hand-held air plasma cutting system.
Start with the thickest metal you cut regularly and choose a system whose recommended or quality cut rating comfortably exceeds it. The severance rating is the maximum it can part the metal, with a rougher edge, so do not size by that figure.Also think about your electrical supply, how portable the machine needs to be, and whether you will also gouge. A system with some capacity in hand cuts faster, runs cooler and wears consumables more slowly than one working at its limit.
Smaller professional units are often dual-voltage, meaning they can run from a standard single-phase workshop or site supply at either of two common voltages, which makes them very portable. Larger systems are usually three-phase, which supports higher power for thicker, faster cutting.Check your supply before choosing. Using a unit at its lowest supply setting can reduce the maximum current you get, so confirm the cutting capacity at the voltage you will really use.
A longer torch gives you reach without moving the machine, which helps around large fabrications. A shorter torch is lighter to handle and suits workshop benches. Choose the shortest lead that does the job comfortably.Head angle matters too. A steeper, angled head gives a natural working posture for cutting flat plate, while a straighter head suits cutting into tight spots and working with a guide. Some buyers choose a system with two torches so they have both.
Some plasma systems are sold as a package with two torches. Depending on the system, these may be two hand torches with different head angles or lengths, or one hand torch and one machine torch. It lets you switch between different kinds of work, such as general cutting and awkward access, or hand cutting and mechanised cutting.It suits busy fabrication and maintenance workshops where the work varies. If you do one kind of cut most of the time, a single-torch system is usually enough. Check which torches and consumables are included with the system you choose.
Some hand plasma systems have a connection for automation. It lets the system be connected to a cutting table, a motion controller or a mechanised carriage, so that the controller can start and stop the arc and receive signals back from the plasma system.For hand-held cutting you do not need it, but it can be useful if you may later add automation. The type of connection and the signals it supports differ between systems, so check the manual and the cables and interface you would need before relying on it.
Most professional hand systems can gouge, using special gouging consumables that blow metal away to remove welds, cracks or unwanted material. It is useful for weld repairs and preparing joints.Gouging produces much more spatter, sparks and fume than cutting, so you need a proper heat shield, full eye and face protection and good ventilation, and you must keep flammable materials well clear. Check the maker's gouging guidance for the system you buy.