The Hobart airforce 12ci is a DC air plasma cutter with inverter technology. The metal cutter starts plasma by pilot arc technique, and the inverter helps produce strong cutting power. The machine features several other modern technologies such as overload protection, fan-on-demand, LED indicators, post-flow cooling, ergonomic trigger, and others. Also, this cutter has a built-in air compressor. It runs on single-phase 120V AC input power at 60 Hz frequency. This plasma cutter has a minimum and maximum cutting current of 12 Amp, and the rated output is 12 Amp at 110 VDC @ 35% duty cycle. It suits industrial and DIY applications and carries CSA certification. Here we put forth an assay about Hobart airforce 12ci plasma cutter reviews.
Key Features of Hobart Airforce 12CI Air Plasma Cutting System
Inverter Technology
The inverter design of the Hobart airforce 12ci plasma cutter makes it concise and lighter while enabling it to produce intense cutting capacity. This cutting machine weighs less than 27 lbs making it swiftly movable to the work site.
Pilot Arc Start of Plasma
The pilot arc system enables a smooth, uniform arc start preceding the commencement of each cut. Also, it limits the burning of the cutting tip.
XT12R Torch with Ergonomic Trigger
Hobart airforce 12ci plasma cutter features an XT12R hand-held plasma torch. The trigger has enhanced protection through an ergonomic design that allows greater comfort in operation. An efficient cooling system protects consumables from excessive heat and provides them with a longer life. Also, it ensures a less frequent torch tip exchange lowering operating costs.
Hobart Airforce 12CI Plasma Cutter
Performance Capability
The current output rated for Hobart 12ci cutter is 12 A at 110 VDC, 35% duty cycle. For mild steel, the machine has a rated cutting capacity of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) at 10 inches per minute (IPM) travel speed and a maximum cutting capacity of 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) at 3 inches per minute (IPM) travel speed. So, clean cut capacity is 1/8 inch, and severance cut capacity is up to 1/4 inch. However, for high thermally conductive metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, the cutting ability will go down as far as 30% of the actual rating.
Internal Air Compressor
The Hobart airforce 12ci comprises a built-in air compressor relieving the owner from the extra cost of an air compressor, associated accessories, and related services and repairs. It comes with preset pressure enabling the cutter to be ready to cut immediately after unpacking. The air compressor is piston-driven, keeping the plasma cutter brief and giving it higher portability. Due to the absence of an additional air compressor, the plasma cutter is easily transportable.
Smart Cooling System
The cooling system of the plasma cutter works on a Fan-On-Demand™ basis which means it only activates when the machine's temperature reaches a preset upper limit to cool the overheat. While remaining off, the cooling system saves electric power and draws no dust, dirt, or debris into the machine reducing their impact.
Postflow Torch Cooling Mechanism
In the post-flow process, the air (gas) continues flowing through the torch after the trigger is set free to turn off the plasma. The post flow of air cools the torch consumables contributing to an extended life for the consumables. Therefore, post-flow helps lower running costs.
LED Alarm Indicators
The front panel of the Hobart airforce 12ci system features LED indicators for the display of power, temperature, and torch readiness status. These LEDs serve as an alarm for any fault. These LEDs facilitate the speedy diagnosis of system errors and pull down overall off time.
Thermal Overload Safety
The plasma cutter can endure harsh working environments, which makes it usable in severe weather. The machine can deliver a 35% duty cycle at 40°C (104° Fahrenheit) environmental conditions. It can even step up the duty cycle from the specified level in a less hot working environment.
Applications
The Hobart airforce 12ci plasma cutter is fit for industrial and private use in manufacturing, HVAC ductwork, construction, sheet metal, metal artwork (sculpting), auto body repair, farm and ranch, plumbing, customizing, restoring, hobby projects, DIY jobs, and others.
Accessories
The plasma cutter package comes with essential accessories that include XT12R hand-held torch having 12 feet (3.7 m) cable, 12 feet (3.7 m) work cable with a work clamp, 7 feet (2.1 m) power cord with an attached plug, a torch consumable set (2 cutting tips, electrode, and standoff guide).
Hobart also offers other accessories that are weather-resistant protective cover, shade 5.0 lens safety glasses, XT12R plasma torch consumable kit, kit for torch tip and standoff guide.
Warranty
The plasma system is USA made. It carries a 5/3/1 industrial warranty. It means a 5-year warranty for transformers, stabilizers, and main rectifiers; 3 years warranty for generators, PC boards, and drive systems; 1 year for plasma torch. Canadian standards association (CSA) endorses the machine for use in USA and Canada.
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Hobart Airforce 12CI Plasma Cutter
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FAQs About Hobart Airforce 12ci Plasma cutter
Q: How does the pilot arc of Hobart airforce 12ci work?
The machine internally consists of a lift arc mechanism that generates the pilot arc. The pilot arc transfers the main cutting arc to the workpiece. One huge advantage of the pilot arc technique is that it does not require the torch to touch the workpiece to start an electric arc.
Q: What amperage circuit requires for running Hobart airforce 12ci?
The machine will draw a minimum of 18-19 amps while cutting. To ensure proper functioning, it requires a 20 amps circuit.
Q: Is there any drag tip available for Hobart 12ci cutter?
No. Extra drag tip is not available for the XT12R torch of 12ci cutter
Q: What is the reason for the arc to shut repeatedly during a cut?
Slowly moving the torch could be a cause. As the torch becomes hot during cutting, it will turn off for about 30 sec to cool down and restart immediately.
Conclusion
We have tried our best to make the Hobart airforce 12ci plasma cutter reviews as informative as possible. We hope it helps you to reach a good decision. Have a good day!
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