Hypertherm expands availability of X-Definition class plasma with new XPR170

By OEM Update Editorial November 14, 2018 4:12 pm IST

Hypertherm, a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, has unveiled a new X-Definition class plasma — the XPR170 — at this year’s EuroBLECH international sheet metal (ISM) exhibition, underway now in Hanover, Germany.

This new 170-amp system joins the XPR300 as the only two X-Definition capable systems in the world. A combination of engineering advances and refined high definition plasma processes help X-Definition class plasma deliver unmatched plasma cut quality on mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Laboratory testing shows ISO-9013 Range 2 cut quality on thin mild steel and extended ISO Range 3 cuts on thicker metals.

Like the XPR300 before it, the new XPR170 contains several new patent-pending processes such as Vented Water Injection (VWI), plasma dampening, and vent-to-shield technologies for squarer-cut edges, markedly less angularity, and excellent surface finish on non-ferrous metals like aluminum and stainless steel. It is ideally suited for cutting thin to mid-range thickness metals. At the same time, the system cuts faster and uses power more efficiently than earlier Hypertherm systems like the HyPerformance HPR130XD.

Consumable life and cut quality over the life of the consumables get a dramatic boost from advances such as Cool nozzle and Arc response technology, the latter of which protects consumables from the negative impact of ramp down errors, a regular occurrence in real-life cutting. By reducing the impact of ramp down errors, XPR consumables can last up to last three times longer than on competitive, older generation systems.

“We’ve enjoyed changing peoples’ perceptions of plasma since the introduction of the XPR300 with X-Definition plasma a year-and-a-half ago,” said Phil Parker, product manager for Hypertherm’s XPR line of plasma systems. “Even experienced fabricators are surprised by the precision they are seeing, and excited by the prospect of using plasma — with its lower initial investment cost — in lieu of laser.”