Difference between two machines...

[davek0974]

Using my plasma more and more has got me wondering...

In comparison, would there be any difference in cut quality between my little XP30 with it's hand torch at 30A and a PM45 and machine torch at 30A?

It's a big upgrade cost and I'm trying to find out if there is any difference in cut quality between the two torches/units at the same power level.

I know the duty cycle is more favourable but I haven't yet hit the limit on my 30XP so that's probably not an issue.

Am I likely to see a difference?

[acourtjester]

I can say I see a difference between the plasma cutters I have both have about the same power.
Both have machine torches and the Hypertherm PM65 cuts far better then the other.
Faster and cleaner.

[davek0974]

Thanks but thats on both with machine torches.

I have the powermax 30XP with Duramax LT hand torch, currently fitted to my little table and working well.

However I am thinking of upgrading my THC as it's, to put it bluntly, crap!

This means I need the machine interface and the only Hypertherm I could possibly run in my home shop is the PM45 which has the CNC torch on it.

As its a costly upgrade, I am trying to justify the benefits of better THC by getting a better cut also, but the only way to gauge this would be by comparing BOTH machines at the same power setting on the same material.

I do not need or really want higher speed as my homebuilt table is practically at its limit cutting 1.5mm steel at 30A so more speed is not really good for me.

I cant run a bigger machine as my supply is limited to 32A 240v, I would have to run the compressor off a different supply but that's do-able.

[jimcolt]

When cutting at 30 amps (Powermax30XP vs Powermax45 using the 30 amp consumables) the Powermax30XP will do a better job....especially if you use the Finecut nozzle. It is newer technology, narrower cut width.

Hypertherm does not recommend the Powermax30XP for mechanized cutting, the Powermax45 is recommended for mechanized. Power and duty cycle are the reasons for the ability to be used productively and safely on a cnc machine.

That being said, there are a few using the Powermax30 and 30XP on cnc machines.....as long as you stay on materials thinner than 3/16" with the 30 amp systems you probably won't have duty cycle issues.

Jim

Thanks but thats on both with machine torches.

I have the powermax 30XP with Duramax LT hand torch, currently fitted to my little table and working well.

However I am thinking of upgrading my THC as it's, to put it bluntly, crap!

This means I need the machine interface and the only Hypertherm I could possibly run in my home shop is the PM45 which has the CNC torch on it.

As its a costly upgrade, I am trying to justify the benefits of better THC by getting a better cut also, but the only way to gauge this would be by comparing BOTH machines at the same power setting on the same material.

I do not need or really want higher speed as my homebuilt table is practically at its limit cutting 1.5mm steel at 30A so more speed is not really good for me.

I cant run a bigger machine as my supply is limited to 32A 240v, I would have to run the compressor off a different supply but that's do-able.

[CNCCAJUN]

Jim, is it possible we will see this improved technology in the PowerMAX 65, 85 & 105 soon.

If so, is it a torch enhancement or power supply?

When cutting at 30 amps (Powermax30XP vs Powermax45 using the 30 amp consumables) the Powermax30XP will do a better job....especially if you use the Finecut nozzle. It is newer technology, narrower cut width.

Hypertherm does not recommend the Powermax30XP for mechanized cutting, the Powermax45 is recommended for mechanized. Power and duty cycle are the reasons for the ability to be used productively and safely on a cnc machine.

That being said, there are a few using the Powermax30 and 30XP on cnc machines.....as long as you stay on materials thinner than 3/16" with the 30 amp systems you probably won't have duty cycle issues.

Jim

Thanks but thats on both with machine torches.

I have the powermax 30XP with Duramax LT hand torch, currently fitted to my little table and working well.

However I am thinking of upgrading my THC as it's, to put it bluntly, crap!

This means I need the machine interface and the only Hypertherm I could possibly run in my home shop is the PM45 which has the CNC torch on it.

As its a costly upgrade, I am trying to justify the benefits of better THC by getting a better cut also, but the only way to gauge this would be by comparing BOTH machines at the same power setting on the same material.

I do not need or really want higher speed as my homebuilt table is practically at its limit cutting 1.5mm steel at 30A so more speed is not really good for me.

I cant run a bigger machine as my supply is limited to 32A 240v, I would have to run the compressor off a different supply but that's do-able.

[davek0974]

Many thanks Jim,

That sort of answers my question perfectly, I will hang on to my wonderful little 30xp a bit longer then, as I said, I don't need more speed and the capacity of it is perfectly adequate.

I will have to work on the THC a little more.

Thanks

[jimcolt]

The Powermax65, 85 and 105 already have the FineCut technology and the Duramax torch technology. The 30XP is the first dual voltage system to have this capability.

Jim Colt

Jim, is it possible we will see this improved technology in the PowerMAX 65, 85 & 105 soon.

If so, is it a torch enhancement or power supply?

When cutting at 30 amps (Powermax30XP vs Powermax45 using the 30 amp consumables) the Powermax30XP will do a better job....especially if you use the Finecut nozzle. It is newer technology, narrower cut width.

Hypertherm does not recommend the Powermax30XP for mechanized cutting, the Powermax45 is recommended for mechanized. Power and duty cycle are the reasons for the ability to be used productively and safely on a cnc machine.

That being said, there are a few using the Powermax30 and 30XP on cnc machines.....as long as you stay on materials thinner than 3/16" with the 30 amp systems you probably won't have duty cycle issues.

Jim

Thanks but thats on both with machine torches.

I have the powermax 30XP with Duramax LT hand torch, currently fitted to my little table and working well.

However I am thinking of upgrading my THC as it's, to put it bluntly, crap!

This means I need the machine interface and the only Hypertherm I could possibly run in my home shop is the PM45 which has the CNC torch on it.

As its a costly upgrade, I am trying to justify the benefits of better THC by getting a better cut also, but the only way to gauge this would be by comparing BOTH machines at the same power setting on the same material.

I do not need or really want higher speed as my homebuilt table is practically at its limit cutting 1.5mm steel at 30A so more speed is not really good for me.

I cant run a bigger machine as my supply is limited to 32A 240v, I would have to run the compressor off a different supply but that's do-able.

[zachv]

Just to confirm, the current 45 machines do not have the Fine Cut or upgraded torch capabilities, right?

[jimcolt]

The 45 has not changed since it was introduced about 6 or so years ago. No Finecut consumables, however it does allow the use of the 30 amp Powermax30 consumables for best cut quality on thin materials.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

Just to confirm, the current 45 machines do not have the Fine Cut or upgraded torch capabilities, right?