Hypertherm Plasma Cutting

Hypertherm Plasma [...]

Who is Hypertherm?

Hypertherm designs and manufactures the world’s most advanced metal [...] systems for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanized plasma cutters and consumables, as well as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) motion and height controls. Hypertherm systems are trusted for fast, precision [...] and reliability that results in increased productivity and profitability for tens of thousands of businesses. The company, consistently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 900 associates along with regional operations and partner representation worldwide.

History of Hypertherm and Plasma [...]

The company’s roots date to 1968, when Hypertherm’s founder, Richard Couch, and an associate made one of the most significant breakthroughs since the initial discovery of plasma [...] fourteen years earlier.

They discovered that by radially injecting water into a plasma [...] nozzle, they could create a narrower arc, capable of [...] metal faster and more accurately. In addition, two issues that had plagued the industry from the start, the accumulation of dross and a phenomenon called double-arcing (in which one arc forms between the plasma electrode and nozzle and a second arc forms between the electrode and nozzle), were virtually eliminated.

Hypertherm’s new water injection technique introduced another first to the industry. Instead of relying on several different types of gas for [...], the Hypertherm system relied on only one: nitrogen. This single gas requirement made plasma [...] more economical and easier to use since customers no longer had to purchase and stock several different types of gas if they didn't want to. Customers also saw a marked improvement in nozzle life because steam from the water helped to cool and protect the nozzle, significantly slowing down its wear rate.

Plasma Process Patented

Mr. Couch quickly patented his new radially injected water technique and unveiled Hypertherm’s very first plasma cutter, the PAC400. For the first time, plasma was a real option for people needing to quickly and cost-effectively cut through metal. The popularity of the PAC400 grew, as did Hypertherm’s reputation as the world leader in plasma [...].

Focus, inspiration, and determination led Mr. Couch and Hypertherm associates to innovate further. They had one goal in mind: to make plasma [...] more accurate, more cost effective, safer and easier for people to use.

Whether it was reducing the noise and smoke caused by plasma [...], developing underwater and oxygen based systems, or finding ways to build even faster and more accurate systems, Hypertherm was at the forefront.

Nearly 40 years and 75 patents later, innovations to improve cut quality, extend service life, enhance productivity, and lower operating costs are still the norm at Hypertherm. In fact, the company dedicates more resources to plasma research, development, and testing than any other plasma [...] manufacturer in the world.

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