Hypertherm today announced the availability of a new 800 amp HyPerformance® Plasma system for cutting thick stainless steel and aluminum. In addition to its ability to production pierce 3” (75mm) and sever 6 1/4” (160mm) thick metal, the system just as easily cuts thin metal—including gauge—without the need to switch torches.

The new HyPerformance HPR800XD® system’s thick piercing capability is attributed to PowerPierce™. This patent pending technology eliminates the need for pre-drilling and minimizes damage to the torch by using a liquid cooled shield to repel molten metal during piercing and cutting. In testing, Hypertherm found there was no damage to its consumables or lessening of cut quality, even after piercing 3” (75mm) thick stainless steel 400 times.

The new HPR800XD delivers the industry’s widest process range, giving operators a new level of versatility. From 30 to 400 amps, operators can utilize HyPerformance Plasma processes to mark, bevel, and cut mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. This versatility is extended up to 800 amps so operators can also cut thick stainless steel and aluminum with the same system. Until now, fabricators needing to cut a wide range of metals and thicknesses had to use two or more systems to complete the job.

Other benefits of the new Hypertherm technology include an optional auto gas console for increased productivity and ease of use; the ability to cut, bevel, and mark using the same set of consumables; and a single quick disconnect torch for fast and efficient consumable changeovers.

“The HPR800XD extends the versatility of HyPerformance Plasma to address customer need, giving industrial customers the ability to cut, mark, and bevel the thickest stainless steel and aluminum and thinnest metal with just one system,” said Aaron Brandt, leader of Hypertherm’s mechanized systems team. “In addition, it delivers the consistent cut quality, high productivity, and reliability HPR owners have come to expect.”