Plasma Hypertherm 45 vs Hypertherm 65

[600SL]

I'm getting set to purchase a hyper therm unit. I'm undecided between the 65 and 45. I have no need to cut 3/4" steel but I do plan on building a plasma table and the 65 seems to have more stuff which appears to be useful for plasma tables.

So the features the 45 does not have are auto voltage, advanced automation, mini machine torches, robotic torches, ring terminal and c style clamp.

Can anyone tell me what they are.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I went with a 65 for my table mainly because it will run at 45 amps with a 100% duty cycle. It also comes with a cpc port to connect it to the computer and had the option to install the rs485 serial port kit to be able to control the air supply and cutting amps on the fly via the computer as well. If you buy the 083300 kit it comes with a 25' hand torch and the 25' machine torch. It also comes with a pendant but I don't think anyone really uses those anymore so I threw it in a drawer. It works out liek you almost get the machine torch for free that way. I think I paid $2901 for it from weldersupply.

When I looked around at some of the intricate designs I felt I wanted to cut running at anything less than 100% duty wasn't an option. I don't have the table up and running yet (soon... really soon) but I have no reason to doubt it won't do exactly what I want it to.

 

[600SL]

Hey overdrive.

Where are you located. I am heading down to Orlando next weekend. I would love to see your setup.

 

[ovrrdrive]

I'm in Ocala. You'll come right through here on I-75. if you want to stop by just give me a head's up. The table isn't finished yet but I have everything here for it.

Did you see my build thread?

 

[MoonRise]

PM65 is about $1k more than the PM45.

PM45 is an awesome machine. Rated (Hypertherm is pretty realistic and a bit 'conservative' on their ratings IMHO) to cut 1/2" steel at 20 ipm and 3/4" steel at 10 ipm, and sever 1" steel. Pierce capability (handheld or machine-controlled with torch height control) is 1/2" steel, 3/8" without torch height control. Cutting aluminum it's rated to 1/2" at 25 ipm or 3/4" at 10 ipm. Approximately 6 kw of output power. 32 amp output at 100% duty cycle.

The PM65 is also awesome. Rated for 3/4" steel at 20 ipm, 1" at 10 ipm, sever of 1-1/4" steel at 5 ipm. 'Production' rated cuts of 5/8" steel at 26 ipm and 1/2" aluminum at 48 ipm. Pierce rating is 5/8" (steel), 1/2" without torch height control. Approximately 9 kw output power. 46 amps at 100% duty cycle.

Decide just how much 'awesome' you need or want. Go from there.

Or call Hypertherm. 800-643-0030

 

[Elvenhome21]

I have a 45 for my plasma table and have cut all the way up to 1-1/4" plate. Id say the 45 is plenty adequate for most needs. The 65 has the option for fine cut nozzle, but the 45 can use the 30 nozzle for fine cut, but ive never found a need for it with steel art. The 65 will cut faster.

100% depends on what you are going to do. high speed producing or tinkering.

If I would do it again i would probably still buy 45 unless I got a super deal on a used 65. but even then the unit would have to be under $1200 for me to justify the added features of the 65

 

[600SL]

Well I just sprang for the 65. Hope to see this shortly.

 

[KM223]

The 65 is a great machine! IMHO the thing that really counts here is the fact you went with Hypertherm. I just love that company!