Hypertherm Powermax45 XP is a professional-grade, multi-mode plasma cutter. It is capable of metal cutting, precision gouging, and marking. The powermax45 XP incorporates cutting-edge technologies like SmartSense, SpringStart, Patented drag-cutting, FastConnect, and others. It is usable for both handheld and mechanized plasma cutting. This power supply unit is an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) type inverter. Powermax45 XP accepts 1-PH or 3-PH input voltage. So, it runs on 200–240V or 480V AC input power at 50–60 Hz. The highest cutting thickness of this cutter is 5/8 inch (16 mm). It is USA-made, and CSA certifies this machine. The following Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP review will cast light at length on various aspects of this powerful plasma cutter.
Key Features of Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP
Versatile Design & Usage
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter is usable in handheld and automated plasma cutting. It features Computer Numerical Control (CNC) interface and FastConnect torch connection. Patented drag-cutting technology enables even first-timers to operate the unit without difficulty. The latest low amp process allows ease in making precision gouging, marking, and scoring. Due to its lightweight and modest size, it offers excellent portability.
Input Power Requirements
Powermax 45 XP plasma cutter works with 1-ph or 3-ph input power. CSA-marked models are for North America and operate on either 1-PH, 200–240 Volt, or 3-PH 480 Volt input at 50–60 Hz. CE/CCC marked models are for Europe and China and operate on either 1-PH, 230 volts, or 3-PH 400 volt input at 50–60 Hz. These machines tolerate up to ± 10% fluctuations in input voltage. Their electrical efficiency is 80%.
Output Efficiency
- Maximum output current: 45 Amps
- Minimum output current: 10 Amps
- Cutting power: 6.5 kW
- Rated output voltage: 145 VDC
- Duty cycles @ 104° F (40° C) for Americas: 50% @ 45 A, 200–240 V, 1-PH | 60% @ 41 A, 200–240 V, 1-PH | 100% @ 32 A, 200–240 V, 1-PH.
- Duty cycles @ 104° F (40° C) for Europe and China: 50% @ 45 A, 230 V, 1-PH | 60% @ 41 A, 230 V, 1-PH | 100% @ 32 A, 230 V, 1-PH | 50% @ 45 A, 480 V, 3-PH | 60% @ 41 A, 480 V, 3-PH | 100% @ 32 A, 480 V, 3-PH.
Cutting & Gouging Capacity
Hypertherm Powermax 45XP is a high-speed plasma cutter. It can cut a wide range of metal thicknesses. Recommended cutting thickness of this cutter is 16 mm (5/8 inch) at a travel speed of 20 IPM (500 mm/min) and 22 mm (7/8 inch) at a cutting speed of 10 IPM (250 mm/min). Severance cutting capacity is 29 mm (1-1/8 inch) thickness at 5 IPM (125 mm/min) travel speed. The piercing capacity is 12 mm (1/2 inch) thickness. IPM is short of inches per minute.
Powermax 45XP plasma cutter can perform precision gouging, for example, marking and spot weld removal. It has a typical gouging capacity of 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs.) of metal removal per hour and a Groove profile of 3.2 mm (0.12 inch) D x 6.8 mm (0.26 inch) W. It does max control gouging at 26–45 Amps output current and precision gouging at 10–25 Amps output current.
Highest Productivity
Hypertherm Powermax45 XP plasma cutter cuts very fast. It can cut up to 1.5 times quicker than oxyfuel. The unit takes less time for grinding and edge preparation because it cuts and gouges with superior quality. Powermax45 XP plasma features a new switch for disabling the torch. This torch-disable switch helps in the quick change of consumables. Hypertherm certifies the machine's robustness to have top performance in the most challenging conditions.
Duramax Lock Torch
Hypertherm offers Duramax Lock torches in multiple styles for hand and machine cutting. Also, these torches and their consumables are easy to operate. Different styled torches and consumables fit both handheld and computerized cutting. The diversity of torches and consumable styles allows the Powermax45 XP plasma system to handle various tasks.
Duamax torches have a robust design to endure high impact and extreme heat. SpringStart technology of Hypertherm enables the Duramax torches to have a consistent start and optimum performance.
Automatic Gas Adjustment
Powermax 45XP has automatic gas adjustment making the unit's setup and operation simple and quick. A Smart Sense technology of Hypertherm ensures air pressure is always correctly set. Hence, the automatic mechanism eliminates the need to change the air pressure.
Gas and Inlet Flow/Pressure Requirements
Hypertherm plasma cutter 45 XP permits several gases for cutting, gouging, and marking. It can work with clean, dry, and oil-free air, nitrogen, argon, and F5. Air can be compressed air or bottled air. Recommended inlet gas flow rate is 188 L/min or 400 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (SCFH) at a pressure of 90 psi (5.9 bar). Maximum inlet gas pressure is 135 psi (9.3 bar). Minimum inlet gas pressure is 85 psi (5.9 bar). This unit consumes 17% less air. Following is the use of gases for different jobs.
Hypertherm plasma cutter 45 XP permits several gases for cutting, gouging, and marking. It can work with clean, dry, and oil-free air, nitrogen, argon, and F5. Air can be compressed air or bottled air. Recommended inlet gas flow rate is 188 L/min or 400 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (SCFH) at a pressure of 90 psi (5.9 bar). Maximum inlet gas pressure is 135 psi (9.3 bar). Minimum inlet gas pressure is 85 psi (5.9 bar). This unit consumes 17% less air. Following is the use of gases for different jobs.
- Cutting - air, nitrogen, F5.
- Gouging - air, nitrogen, F5.
- Marking - air, argon.
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP Hand System w/o CPC - 20' Leads
Engine Driven Generator Compatible
Powermax45 XP plasma cutter is compatible with engine drive power. It can deliver its rated highest capacity with input power provided by an engine drive. Different output performances of Powermax 45XP CPC will draw varying power from the engine drive generator. Engine drive ratings for different level performances are as follows.
- Full performance at 45 Amp output current will require an engine drive of 10 kW (12.5 kVA) output power.
- Limited performance at 45 Amp output current will require an engine drive of 8 kW output power.
- Top performance at 30 Amp output current will require an engine drive of 6 kW output power.
Applications
Powermax 45 XP covers a long list of applications across many industries. The cutter has regular use in sectors like maintenance and repair, construction, mechanical contracting, property or plant maintenance, HVAC, agricultural and farm equipment maintenance, general fabrication, etc. It can make clean and steady cuts on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other conducting metals.
Hypertherm Powermax 45XP plasma cutter can do many special cutting and gouging jobs thru specialty Hypertherm 45XP consumables such as the following.
- Drag cutting using Drag-cutting consumables
- Extended reach cutting and gouging via Hypertherm’s HyAccess extended reach cutting and gouging consumables
- Fine feature cutting using Hypertherm FineCut consumables
- Flush cutting by Hypertherm FlushCut consumables
- Mechanized cutting through Hypertherm Mechanized consumables
- Marking and scribing using Hypertherm Marking consumables
- Max control gouging thru Hypertherm Max control gouging consumables
- Precision gouging via Hypertherm Precision gouging consumables
Certification and Warranty
Powermax45XP carries certification by many regulatory bodies in different countries worldwide. It bears authorization from CSA, CCC, CE, GOST-TR, RCM, UkrSEPRO, and AAA for use in different countries of America, Asia, Europe, Australia like USA, Canada, China, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and others. This product carries an inclusive warranty of 3 years. The power supply has a 3-year warranty, while the torch holds a 1-year warranty.
Environmental Compliance
Hypertherm attaches high importance to environmental preservation. The design and engineering of the Powermax 45XP machine fully comply with or exceed global regulations on environmental protection. This unit conforms to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives. It is a 100% recyclable plasma cutter. In short, Hypertherm powermax systems offer greener plasma cutting.
System Includes
- Power supply unit
- Duramax hand torch with 20 feet (6 m) lead
- Standard consumable
- Ground clamp with cable
- 10 feet (3 m) Input power cord
- Operator manuals
Pros:
Cons:
Video: Plasma Circle Cutting
FAQs About Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP
Q: What are the functions of a torch shield?
The shield serves several crucial functions. It safeguards other consumables, especially the nozzle, from molten spatter. It facilitates the nozzle's cooling. In the case of a hand torch, the shield assists in good quality cutting and fast cutting speed. Also, a drag shield enables drag cutting. The drag shield cast elation sets torch height allowing the flattest part of the arc to cut the metal.
Q: When to change the shield of Powermax?
The shield needs to be changed regularly. Shield shapes vary based on their designated applications. Powermax uses different types of torch shields. Namely, drag shields, mechanized shields, fine-cut shields, marking shields, and gouging shields.
The shield has a primary orifice that aligns itself with the nozzle orifice. It may feature extra vent holes around the center. Shields encounter two common issues, deformed primary orifice and vent hole clogging. Both of these issues can curb performance. Dross signs around the orifice or worn-out cast elation will indicate the wearing of the shield. Sometimes dross on torch shields is pulled easily or brushed off using a wire brush. A perfectly round orifice will mean this shield is still usable. A deformed orifice is indicative of the need to replace this shield.
Conclusion
Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP is a heavy-duty cutter built to bear rough working environments. It is manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in the USA by a great producer of high-quality cutting instruments. Its ability to make a clean and fine cut, neatly gouge, high productivity, adaptability, durability, super portability, and eco-friendly design make it an impressive instrument. We like to wrap up the Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP review by saying that it boasts all the qualities to be an ideal tool for indoor and outdoor use.
Related Posts
- Hypertherm Powermax 30 XP Plasma Cutter Review – Best Guide
- Miller Spectrum 625 X-TREME Plasma Cutter Review & Guide
- Hypertherm Powermax 30 Air Plasma Cutter Review & Guide
- Hobart Airforce 12CI Plasma Cutter Reviews & Guide
- Miller Plasma Cutter 375 Reviews – Definitive Guide!
- 10 Best Plasma Cutter 2024 – Reviews and Buying Guide