One BIG difference between a Hypertherm plasma cutter versus a 'cheap' machine is the life of the consumables.
Others are overall quality of the machine, awesome support from the company if you need it, cut quality (because the consumables, like the nozzle and the electrode, last longer and maintain the cut quality longer), and usually they have a better cut capability than 'similar' rated machines (Hypertherm is usually conservative in their cut thickness rating on their machines. If they say it can cut 1/2" steel, then it WILL cut 1/2" thick steel and usually it can still sever much thicker than that if you need to do so in a pinch).
Oh, and they usually have a lower air supply demand than some 'cheap' machines.
Buy once, cry once. Depending on just how much you are using the plasma machine, you can go through 'cheap' consumables rather quickly. And those can add up pretty quickly.
Oh, and the Hypertherm 45XP can not just cut, it can also gouge and "mark" (kind of like using the plasma to 'etch' into the surface of the workpiece but not cut through).
And the Hypertherm 45XP is rated to cut 1/2" steel, but can cut 1" at reduced travel speed if needed (bigger kerf though) and can sever 1-1/8" steel.
Make SURE that you use clean DRY air (if you are using air ) with the plasma cutter. You will get better cut quality AND better consumable life.
(the 45XP can do 'better' marking operations if you use argon as the gas, where 'better' means a finer marking width 'kerf' especially on "light" marking operations.)
