Live cutting demonstrations show fabricators how to improve versatility, productivity and efficiency
Hypertherm Associates, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, will put decades of advanced plasma and waterjet engineering expertise on display with multiple machine technologies at FABTECH 2026 from October 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #C5025. Attendees can view live cutting demonstrations and talk to Hypertherm experts on how to improve productivity, precision, and operational efficiency with plasma and waterjet cutting technologies.
Live Cutting Demonstrations
For plasma cutting, live demonstrations will focus on applications including gouging, flush cutting, beveling, and collaborative robotic cutting. Visitors will see how plasma systems can be integrated into automated workflows to improve productivity while maintaining cut quality and ease of operation.
OMAX waterjet demonstrations will showcase the flexibility of abrasive waterjet technology for near-net shape manufacturing, multi-material cutting, complex 3D geometries, and destructive testing applications. The demonstrations will illustrate how waterjet technology allows manufacturers to process a wide range of materials without heat-affected zones (HAZ) or the need for secondary operations.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch world-renowned metal artist Rae Ripple demonstrate the capabilities of the ProtoMAX portable abrasive waterjet system during scheduled daily presentations. Ripple's demonstrations will highlight the ProtoMAX system's ability to quickly transform concepts into finished parts for users at all experience levels.
The company will also display a custom art piece created by Ripple using both waterjet and plasma technologies.
Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Machines and Technology
Visitors to the booth will see the company’s versatile MAXIEM® Series JetMachining Center, equipped with a software-controlled VersaJET 5-axis cutting head that provides a cutting range from 0 to 60 degrees for producing beveled edges, angled sides, and complex 3D geometries while minimizing secondary finishing. The system delivers ±0.003" linear positional accuracy and ±0.001" repeatability for precision cutting across a wide range of materials, including metal, composites, glass, and stone. It is configured with a variable-frequency drive for high-performance motor control that reduces energy consumption and maintenance. Finally, the MAXIEM at FABTECH includes a new hopper design that provides advanced incoming abrasive filtering and is compatible with an optional abrasive clog detection system that automatically pauses the machine when a clog is detected. With the clog detection system, operators can immediately restore flow and keep the machine running.
The OptiMAX JetMachining Center will also be showcased through continuous cutting demonstrations at the show. The OptiMAX 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 at the one micron level and is backed by the industry-leading IntelliMAX premium software suite. IntelliMAX is a highly advanced, yet intuitive CAD/CAM system that quickly converts designs into machined parts. The machine will also feature a TiltaJET taper-eliminating abrasive jet cutting head that dynamically tilts the nozzle during cutting to minimize taper and jet stream lag. This enables tighter tolerances without taper, improved edge quality, and more accurate finished parts directly off the table.
For FABTECH attendees interested in prototyping and low-volume production, the compact, economical ProtoMAX portable cutting system will be featured as part of Ripple’s scheduled demonstrations and throughout the show. 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). ProtoMAX is mobile, small enough to fit through a standard doorway and comes with everything necessary to start cutting after fast, easy installation.
Plasma Cutting Machines and Technology
The innovative Powermax SYNC® plasma system for cutting, gouging and flush-cut applications will be on display. Designed for portability, ease of use, and versatility, Powermax systems increase productivity while simplifying operation across a wide range of manual and mechanized cutting applications. Powermax SYNC and its SmartSYNC torch replace the traditional five-piece consumable stack-up with a single color-coded cartridge. Technology embedded in each cartridge automatically sets the correct amperage, air pressure, and operating mode and lets operators know when a new cartridge is needed. Additionally, controls on the SmartSYNC torch allow operators to adjust the amperage and change the cartridge without returning to the power supply.
The cartridge is manufactured as a single piece so that everything within it is perfectly aligned and optimized. As a result, the cartridge for Powermax systems will last up to twice as long and deliver cleaner cuts versus traditional consumables. The cartridge can even track data, like starts and arc-on time, to identify trends and make a user’s operation more efficient.
Engineered for high-performance mechanized cutting, the booth will also showcase XPR plasma technology with X-Definition® cutting capabilities. XPR systems deliver exceptional cut quality, productivity, and process consistency across mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum applications. Featuring Hypertherm SureCut technologies for bolt-ready holes, advanced bevel cutting and optimized plate utilization, XPR systems help fabricators reduce costs while improving part quality and throughput.
Attendees can also learn how plasma technology is easily integrated with robotic applications to automate repetitive cutting processes.
Digital Solutions
Most abrasive waterjet cutting systems at the booth boast the latest version of IntelliMAX, which includes the IntelliVISOR® Mobile app. IntelliVISOR Mobile enables remote live cut monitoring, system status and problem alerts, remote pause, and instant notifications from anywhere, and is available for iOS and Android operating systems.
In addition, the booth will showcase the ProNest CAD/CAM nesting software. It is designed for advanced mechanized cutting applications, including plasma, laser, waterjet and oxyfuel. ProNest optimizes material utilization and offers standard features that include part design, CAD import, manual nesting, reporting, costing and quoting, and its fully automated interface reduces programming time from hours to minutes.
For more information or to attend FABTECH 2026, visit the event website.
