Hypertherm Powermax 1100 is an inverter plasma cutter with stepless current adjustment from 30 to 80 A. The duty cycle at a temperature of 40°C is 80 A at 50% and 57 A at 100%, and the supply is 3 x 400 V with a 19 A fuse. In mild steel quality cutting reaches 25 mm and severance cutting 32 mm.
What this machine is for
This is equipment for steel prefabrication plants, heavy industry and repair crews working in the field. Quality cutting up to 25 mm gives an edge ready for welding without extra grinding, and severance cutting up to 32 mm serves for dismantling and scrapping. Continuous work at 57 A means cutting plate of medium thickness through the whole shift.
Inverter control holds the current at a steady level when the distance from the nozzle to the material changes, so the kerf is narrow and there is less dross. The pilot arc ignites without a high frequency system, so the machine disturbs the electronics nearby less, CNC controllers and computers among them. The start is sure also on material covered with rust or paint.
The cutter cuts all materials that conduct current, stainless steel and aluminium among them. The system corrects the parameters by itself when the air pressure wavers, which protects the electrode from early wear, and the pressure sensors and the thermal cut out react to faults before the wear parts suffer.
The biggest problem of cheap cutters is an unsteady arc on thick material: a crooked edge and a lot of dross to knock off. Here the current holds at the set level, so the kerf is even and the work after cutting shorter. In continuous work the cooling system with a laminar flow helps, carrying heat away from the inverter also in a dusty hall, and a solid housing shields the inside from filings.
Features and equipment
- Stepless cutting current adjustment from 30 to 80 A: you match the parameters to the thickness and the type of material.
- Pilot arc ignition without high frequency: less electromagnetic disturbance around the station.
- Current stabilisation with a changing nozzle distance: a narrow kerf and less dross to remove.
- Correction of the parameters when the air pressure wavers: a longer life of the electrode and the nozzle.
- Tunnel cooling system with a laminar flow: it carries heat away from the inverter also in dust.
- Duty cycle 57 A at 100%: cutting without breaks through the whole shift.
- Plasma cable 7.5 m in a flexible version: free guiding of the torch, also in low temperatures, with reach inside tanks and onto platforms.
- Earth cable 6 m with a copper clamp: a sure electrical contact, on which the stability of the arc depends.
- Thermal cut out and air pressure sensors.
- Technical documentation in PDF format, with the operating manual and a list of wear parts.
Ergonomics has a practical side here. The plasma cable stays flexible also on cold days, so you guide the torch with your hand instead of fighting a stiff cable. The connectors are made to an industrial standard and do not burn out when working at the highest current, and the torch handle is shaped for long severance cuts.
Technical data
| Brand | Hypertherm |
|---|---|
| Model | Powermax 1100 |
| Supply | 3 x 400 V |
| Mains fuse | 19 A |
| Cutting current range | from 30 to 80 A, stepless |
| Duty cycle at 40°C | 80 A at 50%, 57 A at 100% |
| Quality cutting in mild steel | 25 mm |
| Severance cutting in mild steel | 32 mm |
| Required air pressure | about 6.2 bar, air dry and free of oil |
| Required compressor output | minimum 170 l/min |
| Plasma cable | 7.5 m |
| Earth cable | 6 m |
| Supply cable | 3 m |
| Cooling | gas |
What you get
- Hypertherm Powermax 1100 power source
- original plasma cable 7.5 m
- earth cable 6 m with a copper clamp
- supply cable 3 m
- technical documentation in PDF format
What to watch out for
The cutting thicknesses are given for mild steel, and with stainless steel and aluminium the results will differ, although the machine cuts all materials that conduct current. The cutting speed and the quality of the edge also depend on the nozzle: the same current with the wrong nozzle gives a wider kerf and faster wear of the electrode.
The supply is 3 x 400 V with a 19 A fuse. You need a compressor with an output of minimum 170 l/min at a pressure of about 6.2 bar, and the air has to be dry and free of oil, because the life of the nozzles and the electrodes depends on it. The cutting current written in the name of the model and in the attributes of the product card differ, so confirm the configuration before you buy.
The plasma cable 7.5 m and the earth cable 6 m set the reach of the station, and it is worth looking over the connectors and the earth clamp before the first job. Nozzles, electrodes and shields are wear parts chosen for the cutting current, so before you buy settle which set is in the torch and what stock you want to order.
How we sell used machines
This unit was checked in our service workshop in Krotoszyn with measurements to PN-EN 60974-4 and a load test. The price includes the first year of the basic service package: an inspection with cleaning of the machine and a validation measurement. Further years can be added. We ship across the European Union, collection in person by appointment.
