Hypertherm Powermax 30 Filter question

[medicineman]

I just got a Hypertherm Powermax 30 deluxe cutter and I have never used a plasma cutter. I know I should use a filter so my question is which filter should I get. A motor guard M-26 for about $85 or Hypertherm Air Filtration Kit #128647 for about $170 or are there any other filters that might work?

One off topic question. Is 4 CFM air flow the same as 4 SCFM? I have to get a compressor and I'm a bit confused.

Thanks

[dstevens]

Get the Motorguard. Works great. I've had an M60 for a while now. For the purposes of your plasma cutter though there are differences, CFM and SCFM can be interchangeable though they aren't the same in an engineering sense.

[medicineman]

so does the M60 attach the same as the Hypertherm filter and lastly what would you recommend as to the smallest size tank, 8 gal?

[jimcolt]

The M60 uses a paper replaceable filter cartridge....the cardridge must be checked periodically as it will absorb moisture. Once it becomes saturated it will allow moisture to pass into the plasma...which can cause short consumable life, poor cut quality and possible damage to the torch over time.

The Hypertherm filter system is more costly....has a more permanent filter, has an automatic drain for moisture.

There are many choices of filters....generally, filters that are designed for automotive paint spray applications will work. Do not use the disposable, one time use filters. The important thing with plasma is to keep the moisture from getting to the torch....to do this: 1. Drain your compressor tank daily, 2. install a good filter and maintain it properly by checking the filter, draining the water. 3. Install a pressure gauge right at the rear panel of the plasma, after any filters. This gauge will allow you to check the incoming pressure while the air is flowing at the torch. Low pressure while flowing can indicate a clogged filter.

Compressor tank size. Larger tanks will provide more rest (cooling) time for the compressor pump/motor. It will last longer and will be less annoying!

If you just cut occasionally as a hobby....almost any compressor will work. If you cut often or as a business, get a 60 gallon or larger tank and a compressor that can produce at least twice the flow rating requiremnts of the plasma.

cfm is cubic feet per minute, scfm is cubic feet per minute at a particular pressure....usually 90 psi in the case of plasma systems.

As a comparison....I have a 3200 cfm fan in my shop......but it won't run even the smallest plasma system as it produces virtually no pressure....it has a 3/4 hp motor (around 600 watts). My compressor produces 13.8 scfm at 90 psi.....it has a 5 hp (around 4000 watt) motor....so cubic feet per minute must have a pressure rating to determine the power level for air powered tools.


Jim Colt Hypertherm

Originally Posted by medicineman

so does the M60 attach the same as the Hypertherm filter and lastly what would you recommend as to the smallest size tank, 8 gal?

[k45]

Originally Posted by jimcolt

The M60 uses a paper replaceable filter cartridge....the cardridge must be checked periodically as it will absorb moisture. Once it becomes saturated it will allow moisture to pass into the plasma...which can cause short consumable life, poor cut quality and possible damage to the torch over time.

The Hypertherm filter system is more costly....has a more permanent filter, has an automatic drain for moisture.

There are many choices of filters....generally, filters that are designed for automotive paint spray applications will work. Do not use the disposable, one time use filters. The important thing with plasma is to keep the moisture from getting to the torch....to do this: 1. Drain your compressor tank daily, 2. install a good filter and maintain it properly by checking the filter, draining the water. 3. Install a pressure gauge right at the rear panel of the plasma, after any filters. This gauge will allow you to check the incoming pressure while the air is flowing at the torch. Low pressure while flowing can indicate a clogged filter.

Jim,

You say that the Hypertherm filter "has a more permanent filter". Does it need to be changed or cleaned or what?

Thanks,

Ken

[jimcolt]

The Hypertherm filter has an auto drain (for moisture) and is cleanable....to a certain extent. You can replace the element as well.


Jim Colt

[dstevens]

Originally Posted by jimcolt

The M60 uses a paper replaceable filter cartridge....the cardridge must be checked periodically as it will absorb moisture. Once it becomes saturated it will allow moisture to pass into the plasma...which can cause short consumable life, poor cut quality and possible damage to the torch over time.

The Hypertherm filter system is more costly....has a more permanent filter, has an automatic drain for moisture.

I've been through about 1 filter a year so far. The M60 is on a leg just past a IR regulator/filter. Were I doing more production I would get a mechanical air dryer and filter system. The filter packs of 4 are about 29 bucks locally. I've found that auto draining the compressor tank and purging the lines regularly helps with filter life.

[medicineman]

Thanks Jimcolt. I will Install a pressure gauge right after the filter that was a good suggestion.

[medicineman]

With the hypertherm filter, would I attach the gauge to the back of the cutter and then attach the filter directly to the gauge and would it have enough support?

Or if I went with the M-26 filter, would I be able to to the same by attaching with the gauge to the back of the unit and then attach the M-26 directly to the gauge or would I have to fabricate something in order to secure the filter to the gauge so that it has enough support?

The PM 30t has not arrived yet and I'm not sure of how the filter body couplings look. That is why I am trying to envision it how it will be supported

Thanks

[jimcolt]

Yes....by having a gauge between the filter and the plasma it will be easy to determine when and if the filter needs cleaning or the element replaced. A good majority of calls that our tech service department recieves with our air plasma systems involves low input air pressure that causes an error (will not fire, error indicator on). Often, the low input pressure (only noticeable when air is flowing at the torch) is caused by a plugged or wet filter.....and is hard to diagnose without reading input pressure.

Jim Colt

[medicineman]

OK Jim, what do you think? I got a HF 2.5 hp 26 gal compressor connected to a 50 foot hose. then connected to the end of the hose is a mini water separator from HF,(it is not connected in the photo, it has the red cap on) then with some elbows I connected a M-26 motor guard filter, and then a pressure gauge connected to the cutter. I was thinking of adding an oil filter on the compressor but that is probably over kill especially since I dont plan on using it much. Have not fired it up yet but I plan on using it this weekend.

[jimcolt]

From the pic the hose looks like 1/4". The manual says to use 3/8" hose up to 50' length. If you have a problem....it likely will be pressure drop through the hose. Try it, the pressure gauge will let you know if the pressure is low when air is flowing.


Jim

[specter]

Hi Medicineman Jim was right with the Hose dia. One of the things you should consider is reducing the length of that compressor hose! Keeping it the shortest distance possible will help maintain your air pressure , There are sites that list the air pressure drop per length of hose/line . In addition the longer the air pressure hose/line is from the compressor the more condensation will build up in the air line making your filter work harder & its life span shorter.

You may find that the 2.5hp 26 gal compressor will have a hard time keeping up with the required air flow required for your plasma cutter on those longer cuts. The more the compressor as to run to keep up the required air flow. The compressor may even cutoff due to heat buildup, Just a thought.

[daine.scott]

I have used Motorguard its great but no idea about M60.

[ccawgc]

you can always let the motorguard filter dry out and use it again. Unless it is full of oil and falling apart. I have used my two for a long time. Just rotate the filters.