Plasma for CNC

[500HpSilverado]

Jim,

The table is in the works so now I'm investigating which machine to get. I'm thinking I want to be able to burn 1/2" plate with some reasonable degreee of quality/speed. Also, I have access to 3 phase now, but it might not always be this way. So based on that is the PM1000 the way to go?

I read some comments from some others online that the newer (Generation 3?) PM machines such as the PM45 (the PM1000 is or isnt G3?) cuts much better then the PM1000, but I'm not sure if the 1000 has been updated since those comments were written or not.

Thanks!

[500HpSilverado]

Well I answered all my own questions with a little time on the site. I usually click the manual plasma link, when you click the mechanized plasma link it identifies the 1000 as a G3 unit. Someone might want to add that to the manual plasma page because anyone who is surfing around over on pirate or the other sites with a lot of plasma talk (I guess here included, lol) might be looking for the newer G3 notation and not find it.

My only question now is, besides a slightly lower duty cycle is there any performance difference when the 1000 or the 1250 is plugged into 1 phase v 3 phase? I've read there are differences in performance at the higher end of the cutting capacity, but those people might be blowing smoke, so I wanted to check with you.

[jimcolt]

The only time there is a difference (other than duty cycle as you mention) between 3 phase and single phase would be if your single phase wiring / circuitry could not handle the load when cutting at highest output and thickness capacity. If the single phase circuit is marginal you will experience input voltage drop, which can affect the output. 3 phase input power definitely makes it easier for the plasma power supply, runs cooler, draws less amperage, etc. Nice thing about the 1000 or the 1250 is it will run on any voltage between 190 and 600 volts, single or 3 phase. No internal links need changing.....just throw the wires toward an electrical box (almost!) and it will cut metal!

The Powermax1000, 1250 and 1650 are all what Hypertherm calls "G3" (generation 3). It just means they are the 3rd generation of in house inverter plasma designs from Hypertherm. The Powermax45 is actually a newer design, however our marketing people did not give it the "G4" monniker!

Can't go wrong with the 1000, I have had one in my shop for about 7 years.....it has been seriously abused, including living through a shop fire that melted the handles and the front panel knobs, as well as a fall from a 6 foot shelf while it was cutting metal on my cnc machine (I thought I was tugging on an extension cord, but I tugged on the work cable and pulled the 1000 off the shelf!, it continued cutting as it laid on its side on the concrete floor).

I now have a 45, which for most of what I do cuts with better edge squareness as compared to the 1000, however on materials thinner than 3/16" using Fine Cut consumables both units cut very similarly, above this thickness with the shielded consumables the 45 has a bit nicer cut, but slower speeds than the 1000. If I am doing a lot of 1/2" or thicker on my PlasmaCam machine, I will put the 1000 on it.

Jim

[500HpSilverado]

Thanks Jim,

Is the difference in cut between the 45 and 1000 because of the power supply or the torch? or both? Is my little PM30 I have the new "G4"? And last but not least, is there anything in the works in the PM1000 and larger size thats going to be popping up anytime in the next year or so?

[jimcolt]

Every new product from Hypertherm has new technology....kind of like computers. It is our policy to only release new products if there is proven performance enhancements such as consumable life, cut speed, cut quality and reliability....among other things. You will notice that Hypertherm new products always include new torch designs......we don't stick with "One Torch" as a universal fit for all of our machines.....and that is because our 86 engineers (15 with Phd's) are busy uncovering better ways to cut metal with plasma.

The 30 and the 45 are new.....we don't call them G4, but they are one generation after G3! Each has new power supply and torch technology compared to the systems in our line that they replaced. (The Powermax380 and Powermax600). Our power supplies are developed with our torches....and the output voltage/amperage curves as well as ramp up, ramp down and gas flow timing are accurately co-ordinated to get the best performance.

There are new products in the works, I cannot tell you anymore than that! Our products get released after mutiple units are determined to have passed the test criteria in our reliability labs. Sometimes new products make it through in 6 months, sometimes it takes 24 months.

Sorry I have to be vague about new products....its a very competitive business, can't let the cat out of the bag too soon.

Best regards, Jim

[500HpSilverado]

Yeah, I completely understand Jim about the new products. I've been quizzing your tech support dept as well, they wont give me even a small clue as to whether or not I should hold off a month or two. Here is my last question I promise and it is an easy one. If/when there is a new product, does Hypertherm release them on an annual basis (every October like the car companies) or is it whenever they are deemed to be ready for release?

[jimcolt]

We often, but not always...introduce new products at the Fabtech show in November.....sometimes it is just an introduction and the product doesn't officially release until a few months later. I have been with Hypertherm 32 years....and I have seen us miss target release dates by as much as 18 months...due to the product not meeting our own standards. Engineering will not let a product releas until our reliability lab is satisfied.....so we are more careful than ever to let info out before we are sure. I wish I could tell you more!

Jim

[SundownIII]

Jim,

Are you telling us that Hypertherm doesn't just send new equipment out to the field and let the end user do the product testing, like some of the Chinese imports?:laugh:

Just kidding of course. One glance inside the Hypertherm machine will tell you that a lot of thought went into those machines. Probably why I've NEVER had a minutes trouble with either my 600 or 1250, even after quite a bit of hard use.

[jimcolt]

Sundown....as much as I hate to look back.....we used to ship products that used the worl as our field trial. It has been about 25 years since that happened! I'm the guy that used to answer the phone when the plasma didn't work at the customer end....I so dreaded new products.

Jim

[500HpSilverado]

:waving:Well just to let you know Jim, Wednesday of the Fabtech 2010 show (Nov 3):cool2: is my b-day. It sure would be nice to have them introduce a new generation 1000 or 1250 so I could take it home!

I know you're one of the big dogs around there so I just wanted to throw that out there in case you needed to pull some strings, lol:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[jimcolt]

You know I tried to get them to change the name of the Powermax45 to the Colt45......but there was no interest!

Trust me....there will be some new technology coming that we can talk about before the end of the year.

Jim

[specter]

Colt 45 has a nice ring to it Fast to the draw:gunsfirin

Personally I like going to FABTECH to see all the new technology. Plus its a nice getaway.