Plasma Cutters

Plasma cutters from Hypertherm and more, for clean cuts in plate, tube and sheet. Cutting by hand now, or planning a CNC table later? We'll help you match the amps and the air to the work.

Plasma Cutter
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  • Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC Plasma Cutter

    Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC Plasma Cutter

    Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC Plasma Cutter

    45 A plasma cutter, 200–240V, 5/8 in. rated cut, severs 1-1/8 in., 31 lb.

    $2,785.00

Buying a plasma cutter for your shop

A plasma cutter is the step up from cutting everything with an angle grinder. It cuts any conductive metal (steel, stainless, aluminum) fast and with a narrow kerf. Before you pick one, sort out three things: how thick you cut, what power you have, and whether your compressor can keep up.

Rated cut, clean cut and sever cut

Manufacturers list more than one thickness. The rated cut is the thickness the machine cuts at a usable speed, about 20 inches per minute. The sever cut is the most it can get through at all, slowly and with a rough edge. Buy for the rated cut on the material you cut most often. Every listing here shows both numbers.

Power

Small plasma cutters run on 120V, but most 40 to 45 A machines want a 240V circuit and some have no 120V option at all. Check the plug type and input amps on the product page before you order.

Air is the hidden requirement

Plasma cutters run on compressed air, and they need a steady supply: a 45 A machine typically wants around 6 to 7 CFM at 90 PSI. A small pancake compressor won't keep up. Plan on a shop compressor, plus a filter or dryer, because wet or oily air shortens consumable life fast.

Consumables and CNC

Electrodes, nozzles and shields (or one-piece cartridges on some machines) wear out with use. Factor their cost into the machine price. If a CNC table is in your future, look for a machine with a CNC port and a machine torch option, and plan on torch height control.

Questions about Plasma Cutters

What thickness can a 45 amp plasma cutter cut?
A good 45 A machine has a rated cut around 5/8 in. steel and a sever cut around 1 in. or a bit more. Rated cut is the useful number for everyday work; sever is the slow maximum.
Can a plasma cutter run on 120V?
Some smaller machines can, at reduced output. Many 45 A machines, including the Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC, need a 200 to 240V circuit. Each listing shows the input power.
What size air compressor do I need for a plasma cutter?
Check the machine's air spec in CFM at PSI. A 45 A cutter typically needs about 6 to 7 CFM at 90 PSI continuously, which means a mid-size shop compressor, not a small portable one.
Do I need a dryer or filter?
Yes. Water and oil in the air shorten consumable life and hurt cut quality. Use at least a filter and water separator, and a dryer in humid shops.
Can I use a hand plasma cutter on a CNC table?
Only if the machine has a CNC interface and you use a machine torch. Look for a CNC port on the product page and plan on torch height control for clean cuts.