Hypertherm Associates Showcases Cutting and Software Technology at FABTECH 2024

 

Hypertherm Associates will showcase a variety of Hypertherm plasma, OMAX abrasive waterjet cutting technologies and ProNest and Robotmaster software at FABTECH 2024, Oct. 15-17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Visitors to booth W3129 will see the inspirational and nationally known metal artist Rae Ripple demonstrate her craft using a Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC plasma cutter that is engineered to meet the diverse needs of metalworkers with the most reliable and versatile system available. The Powermax45 SYNC is the best investment for gouging, cutting and marking applications and features built-in intelligence, a patented single-piece cartridge and up to five times longer consumable life with greater cutting power than its higher-amperage competitors. The Powermax45 SYNC is easy to use and designed to simplify operations, maximize performance and boost productivity.

Hypertherm Associates will also display its recently released Hypertherm XPR460 plasma cutting system in booth S13059. The latest addition to the company’s XPR line with X-Definition technology, the XPR460 provides unmatched cut quality on mild steel, stainless steel, steel and aluminum. The unit performs multiple applications with SureCut technology for bolt-ready holes and smooth 45-degree bevels. The XPR460 is well suited for robotic cutting applications and is future enabled for Smart Factory integration and connectivity.

Leveraging three decades of advanced waterjet engineering expertise, OMAX abrasive waterjet systems will be on display with a range of machine technologies.  

Attendees will see a live demonstration of the OMAX OptiMAX 60X JetMachining Center, the world’s most advanced abrasive waterjet machining center. With a cutting envelope of 10' x 5' 2" (3.04 m x 1.57 m), the OptiMAX 60X comes standard with the exclusive IntelliTRAX linear drive system that provides 350 in/min (8.9 m/min) traverse with real-time, closed-loop positioning feedback and is backed by the industry-leading IntelliMAX premium software. IntelliMAX is a highly advanced, yet intuitive CAD/CAM system that runs on Windows 10 and quickly converts designs into machined parts.

The FABTECH demonstration model will be equipped with a 50 HP (37 kW) EnduroMAX direct drive pump that generates 42.5 hp (31.5 kW) at the jet and 60,000 psi (4,136.85 bar) output pressure. The machine will feature two taper-eliminating Tilt-A-Jet cutting nozzles and the optional productivity-enhancing OptiMAX Dual Carriage that adds a cutting head and an independent motorized Z-axis carriage to boost performance without requiring additional floor space. The second carriage allows operators to move the cutting heads independently, positioning them closer together for part duplication or farther apart for single-head machining.

Visitors will also see the company’s versatile MAXIEM 1530 JetMachining Center equipped with A-Jet cutting head and a MAXIEM 40 hp (30 kW) direct drive pump that generates output pressure of 50,000 psi (3,447.38 bar). With a cutting envelope of 10' x 5' 2" (3.045 m x 1.57 m), the MAXIEM 1530 cuts complex parts out of most materials, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, stone and composites. Like all abrasive waterjet machines, the MAXIEM 1530 generates surface finishes that often eliminate the need for secondary machining. The MAXIEM 1530 comes standard with the company’s exclusive IntelliMAX software suite.

For prototyping and low-volume production, OMAX will feature its compact, economical ProtoMAX cutting system. With all the versatility benefits of larger abrasive waterjets, the ProtoMAX provides a sleek 12" x 12" (304 mm x 304 mm) cutting envelope for materials up to 1" (25 mm) thick. The 5 hp (3.7 kW) direct drive pump delivers a cutting pressure of 30,000 psi (2,068 bar) at a flow rate of 0.2 mm (0.95 ipm). ProtoMAX is mobile, small enough to fit through a standard doorway and comes with everything necessary to start cutting after fast, easy installation. The system is also configured with a variable frequency drive for high-performance motor control that reduces energy consumption and maintenance.

ProNest and Robotmaster will round out Hypertherm Associates technology exhibits in booth S13059 at FABTECH 2024. ProNest CAD/CAM nesting software will demonstrate software designed for advanced mechanized cutting applications, including plasma, laser, waterjet and oxyfuel. ProNest offers standard features that include part design, CAD import, manual nesting, reporting, costing and quoting. ProNest’s fully automated interface can reduce programming time from hours to minutes, and specialized cutting techniques help reduce total cut time by up to 50%.

Also, Robotmaster offline programming software for robots will be demonstrated to show how its advanced robot programming capabilities boost automation and productivity in manufacturing. Robotmaster software cuts robot programming time, streamlines workflows and  seamlessly blends robot programming, simulation and code generation for quicker, error-free results.