which hypertherm plasma cutter

[myers]

I am looking to get a plasma cutter. I cant decide between the hypertherm powermax 30xp or the 45. Most for the metal I will be cutting is 22ga to 1/4''. I would like to go with the 45 but I don't no how it will handle the thinner metal. Thanks Chris

 

[ADSR]

I own the PM30 and love it. If i could do it again, i would buy the 45. This way i could do a cnc plasma table as well as free hand.

 

[383 240z]

I've got a powermax 380 and I love it. For the thinner stuff I just turn the amps down. Or at least that's what I "should" do. To be honest I just run it wide open most of the time. Just move faster in the thinner materials. Never had an issue. I cut a soda can with it last night because I needed a small cup to hold some cutting oil by my lathe. Keith

 

[ADSR]

I've got a powermax 380 and I love it. For the thinner stuff I just turn the amps down. Or at least that's what I "should" do. To be honest I just run it wide open most of the time. Just move faster in the thinner materials. Never had an issue. I cut a soda can with it last night because I needed a small cup to hold some cutting oil by my lathe. Keith

We need some pics in action

 

[purplezr2]

I have a PM65, wish it was bigger. It will cut 1 inch I believe

 

[jimcolt]

These systems both have their advantages.

Powermax45:
-More power, is production rated to cut 1/2" steel at a reasonable speed and quality.
-Has an available machine torch for best performance in mechanized use on a cnc machine, pipe cutter, track burner, etc.
-has an interface receptacle for easily and safely connecting to wiring on CNC machines
-Best selling plasma on the planet. This summer Hypertherm will meet the 100,000 Powermax45's sold mark. This means the product will be supported in the field for decades....with parts and service available.
-severance to 1".

Powermax30XP:

-Only 30 amp class system with shielded consumable technology. Longer life, drag cutting without sticking and arcing to the material.
-More power (amps x load voltage =watts) than any other 30 amp class plasma
-Dual voltage, operates on 120 volt at slightly reduced capacity or 230 volts for best performance.
-Comes with hard case and input power (120/240) adapters.
-Production rated for 3/8" (although slower than the Powermax45) with severance to 5/8". I would rate it a good production 1/4" machine.
-Has Finecut consumables for best quality and intricate cutting on materials thinner than 10 gauge, and 120 volt cutting to 1/4".

I have both machines in my home shop if you want to see and pics....or have specific questions.

Jim Colt

I am looking to get a plasma cutter. I cant decide between the hypertherm powermax 30xp or the 45. Most for the metal I will be cutting is 22ga to 1/4''. I would like to go with the 45 but I don't no how it will handle the thinner metal. Thanks Chris

 

[ADSR]

Good to see you around, Jim!

 

[george4]

These systems both have their advantages.

-
Powermax30XP:

I have both machines in my home shop if you want to see and pics....or have specific questions.

Jim Colt

How much of a compressor do I need for the 30?

 

[myers]

bump

 

[ADSR]

bump

Pull the trigger on the 45 and don't look back.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I believe I've seen videos of the Powermax 45 doing well over 1inch thick plate. It's kinda slow, but it can do it.

 

[kazlx]

45! I started out with a 30 and ended up with an 85...

 

[AndeiH]

i've had a PM45 for two years now. its a great machine but i could have done the same thing with a PM30 so far. i don't cut any really thick metal, but i got it for the cnc capability.

it will be money well spent once i get a cnc setup.

 

[zkling]

Biggest difference for your anticipated uses is whether you want the option of 115v input or not.

 

[ADSR]

Biggest difference for your anticipated uses is whether you want the option of 115v input or not.

For what it is, the 115 works ok. 230 is where it kicks ****.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a powermax 30. I thought I would want to go to a bigger one, but I haven't found anything I wanted to cut but couldn't yet. I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[jimcolt]

To cut continuously with a Powermax30 you need to supply it with air at 90 to 120 psi with an air compressor that can deliver 4.5 cfm (cubic feet per minute) @ 90 psi.

You will not ever cut continuously....so you can cut with any compressor that can produce at least 90 psi.....if the compressor cannot keep up the Powermax30 will simply stop cutting when the pressure drops below about 85 psi...then you can wait for the air pressure to build back up.

I have used my 30 in the field on a small 2.8 cfm nail gun compressor. I get about 35 to 45 seconds of cut.....enough to cut about 8 feet of galvanized roofing. Then I take a break and resume when the compressor recovers!

With compressors though...bigger is always better. Larger compressors run less, last longer, often are quieter, and produce less moisture than small once that have to run often.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

How much of a compressor do I need for the 30?

 

[jimcolt]

The 45 is rated (factory) to sever 1". If you need to do this often you simply need a larger plasma! To prove a point once I severed 1-1/2" with the 45, extremely slowly. Picture attached of 2 pieces of 3/4" steel stacked up and severed with Powermax45.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

I believe I've seen videos of the Powermax 45 doing well over 1inch thick plate. It's kinda slow, but it can do it.

 

[george4]

To cut continuously with a Powermax30 you need to supply it with air at 90 to 120 psi with an air compressor that can deliver 4.5 cfm (cubic feet per minute) @ 90 psi.

You will not ever cut continuously....so you can cut with any compressor that can produce at least 90 psi.....if the compressor cannot keep up the Powermax30 will simply stop cutting when the pressure drops below about 85 psi...then you can wait for the air pressure to build back up.

I have used my 30 in the field on a small 2.8 cfm nail gun compressor. I get about 35 to 45 seconds of cut.....enough to cut about 8 feet of galvanized roofing. Then I take a break and resume when the compressor recovers!

With compressors though...bigger is always better. Larger compressors run less, last longer, often are quieter, and produce less moisture than small once that have to run often.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Thanks, that is what I wanted to hear.

 

[pete379]

45! I started out with a 30 and ended up with an 85...

I went straight to an 85 !!

 

[bcradio]

I really want a 45. They look nice. Thanks for all the info Jim.

Other than breaking down sheet goods, where else does a plasma excel?

 

[Loscaldazar]

The 45 is rated (factory) to sever 1". If you need to do this often you simply need a larger plasma! To prove a point once I severed 1-1/2" with the 45, extremely slowly. Picture attached of 2 pieces of 3/4" steel stacked up and severed with Powermax45.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Yeah, I believe it was one of Lanse's videos that I was watching him do severance cuts. If I had had the funds (college is expensive!), I would have bought one right after watching that video. Very impressive demo.