Powermax 85/1650

[tinman13]

I am close to ordering a new machine.
Is there any chance in the near future the "Conical flow technology" torch could be retrofitted onto a 1650?

I have been studying the specs on both and the question keeps coming back to how can 85 amps do as much as 100 amps? Why does the 1650 weigh almost double what the 85 does?
It used to be heaver machines had more copper in them but I don't think that is true anymore!
It seems that the cut speeds are close to the same on both machines. I am having a hard time grasping the "less is more" concept!

Sorry to ramble on but some times it helps with the decision process!

Thanks, Steve

[jimcolt]

We are planning to announce a retrofit kit to upgrade the Powermax1000 and 1250 to the new Duramax torch (that is used on the Powermax65 and 85) in late January, final testing and field trials are just being completed now. We are also testing the new torch design at 100 Amp levels for use on the 1650, and once those tests are complete (assuming they show favorable performance improvements) we will make an announcement for upgrade kits for the 1650.

The conical flow technology and the new Duramax torches are the result of advanced engineering at Hypertherm that was actually accelerated during the economic downturn. Instead of laying off production workers, we put their talents to use in engineering and other internal jobs that bolstered and sped up the mandatory research and testing that is necessary to develop new torches and processes (consumables). The result....we did not lay off a single employee, and we have some great new (not just updated old products, complete new designs) technology!

The conical flow process, first introduced with the Powermax45 a couple of years ago, uses the sheild air flow in conjunction with the shape of the outside of the nozzle to further constrict the plasma arc, increasing energy density and producing a squarer cut edge....with the added benefit of increased cooling efficiency and longer consumable life.

As far as power supply designs getting smaller, lighter, and with higher duty cycles. Some of that technology comes from better technology in the switching semiconductors (IGBT's, insulated gate bipolar transistors) that are used to control the output power of a plasma system very quickly and accurately. As this technology improves, the current control gets better, the power supplies get more efficient. Larger heavier inverter power supplies of the past were larger as they required bigger heat sinks, larger fans, and larger components such as transformers and chokes. With the new technologies everything gets more efficient.

Hypertherm also uses the talents of the workers on the production floor during the design stages of new products. There is no one better for the power supply engineers to consult with than the people that are going to be assembling them. If you disassembled one of Hypertherm Powermax1250's (80 amp) and counted every single part...right down to the screws nuts and washers....then did the same with the new Powermax85......you would see a dramatically reduced part count! You also will notice much less in terms of wiring, connections, terminal boards, plugs, etc. Less parts means easier assembly and less chance for field failures....simple as that.

If you are ever in NH.....contact me, I love to give tours of our facilities where our systems are engineered, designed, and manufactured.

Jim Colt

[tinman13]

Thank you Jim, As always I appreciate your informative reply!
I am leaning more toward the 85 as it sounds like the new Conical Flow torch would be well worth it.

Thanks again, Steve