Hypertherm 65 Sync.
- Thread starter Ashgrove
- Start date
never heard of the sync models. got the 30xp about 1.5yr ago and still using original consumables after cutting everything from paper thin to 3/4 plate. kind of wish i went to a 45 just for the removable ground and torch leads but otherwise the 30 is great for home use
scooby074
Well-known member
DRM in plasma consumables is too much for me. Really turned me off Hypertherm
Im in the the market and this sounds like something I should know about. Can you summarize or help me understand what to Google?
scooby074
Well-known member
Probably the best "primer" on the subject is what Dymo just did to their new label machine. Used to be that you could use aftermarket paper labels in it, now with the new one, only Genuine Dymo labels can be used. Dymo labels are considerably more money for less labels per roll.
In both Dymo and Hypertherm's case with these new models, there are chips in the consumables that talk to the unit and will only let the unit function with Genuine HT consumables. Hypertherm is selling this as a "feature" that lets the machine know which tip you have installed for which function so the unit will automatically configure itself, when in reality it just will prevent the knockoff consumables from being used. There is also the fact that the chips in the HT consumables will know how long theve run and how many starts theyve had. If HT says the consumables have a life of 5 hours or 100 starts (or whatever) the machine will not work until new consumables are installed if youre past what HT determed the product "lifetime" is. I dont know if HT has implemented this function, but it wouldnt surprise if they did/do. Knockoff consumables have been a thorn in Hypertherm's side for years.
From HT's page on Sync. Not hard to read between the lines. Not only could they lock you into Genuine HT consumables, they could also lock you into Genuine HT things like torches and other accessories.
- The cartridge provides useful utilization data when used in conjunction with SmartSYNC™ torches and a Powermax SYNC™ system. The data can be used to improve cutting operations and identify opportunities for operator training
- analyze performance data such as starts, transfers, and arc-on time
Its the same as ink jet printers. Theyll only function with genuine ink. Fortunately the aftermarket found ways around many of these locks.
I believe that the HT 45 is still the old, non-DRM machine and this "feature" is only on the larger models, but Id fully expect HT to install this technology when the next version of the 45 is released. If I was in the market, Id be getting a non-Sync model ASAP before they get upgraded.
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DerekV
Well-known member
Ok, but I think it’s important to point out that aftermarket consumables ****. Genuine HT consumables are worth the money.
scooby074
Well-known member
A fair statement, but do you want to be locked in to Hypertherm only for consumables? And very likely to every other essential accessory like torches? Do you want them to shut you down because your consumables reached some arbitrary amount of runtime that they say is the limit and youre in the middle of a job? Sync is just a way to force you into staying with HT consumables where the real money is over the life of the machine. Any performace advantage the HT has built into the new Sync equipment could still have been built in without the whole DRM requirement. This is purely an anti-competitive play by HT.
Ive always used genuine because someone else was paying. If it was on my dime Id be strongly looking into knockoffs. 70% of the performance for half the cost. Plus I feel that DRM locking you into OEM only is ******** for ANY product.
I'm glad I ran across this thread. I was considering a SYNC machine but think I'll move on and maybe look at a Thermal Dynamics one instead. I've been down that proprietary road with lots of computer equipment and peripherals in my career and whenever you can avoid it, it pays. I have a very old PC and a very old Sun workstation that I use for dedicated tasks. Guess which one I can easily get replacement parts for or replace entirely with little effort?
Don’t be so quick to rush in. I also have a the thermal dynamics 30 that requires proprietary tips. I don’t remember the details off the top of my head but 2-3 years ago I needed some more consumables and my supplier couldn’t source them but offered a retrofit torch as an option.
I’ll have to dig up those emails and refresh my memory plus get that thing back on the road. It’s a really good unit, but it’s been collecting dust for a while.
I ended up finding a used 45xp non-sync. I realize there might come a time when support for the older style consumables is discontinued but it doesn't seem like an issue yet. Hopefully I'll see it coming and be able to stock up if/when it does.