Hypertherm Introduces New Gouging Shield for Powermax Air Plasma Systems
Hypertherm, a manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is now offering a new gouging shield for people wanting even greater control when gouging with Powermax® air plasma systems.
This new Max Control Gouging shield is designed for jobs in which the operator needs to remove a very precise amount of metal. The tip of the shield is engineered and machined in a way that allows the operator to create a very shallow gouging profile. The introduction of the Max Control gouging shield expands the offerings of Powermax gouging consumables which includes the existing Max Removal Gouging shield and HyAccess™ extended gouging consumables. Max Removal shields are designed to remove a large amount of metal and leave a deeper gouging profile while HyAccess provides the extra reach needed when gouging in hard to reach or confined spaces.
Max Control, Max Removal and HyAccess Gouging consumables are available for Powermax systems using a Duramax or Duramax Hyamp™ torch. This includes the Powermax65®through the Powermax125® and older systems with Duramax retrofit torches such as the Powermax600®, Powermax900® and Powermax1650®.
“Hypertherm is continuously investing in market research and engineering development to ensure we meet the needs of our customers,” explains Brenda Mahoney, a torch and consumable product manager. “The end result is eleven different patented torch styles for our Powermax systems alone, plus an array of unique consumable offerings that make it easy for people to choose the right tool for each job.”
Hypertherm is seeing a steady increase in the use of plasma for gouging as more companies realize the many advantages of plasma instead of alternative methods such as carbon arc. Plasma gouging allows for cleaner gouges with no carbon contamination, easier clean-up, and a safer work environment for the operator since it produces fewer fumes, creates less noise, and does not blow metal shavings back into the operator’s face. Customers who have converted to plasma gouging report operational efficiencies between three and ten times faster than carbon arc gouging which translates into a significant cost savings.
Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes plasma, laser and waterjet cutting systems, in addition to CNC motion and height controls, CAM nesting software, and consumables. Hypertherm systems are trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. The company’s reputation for cutting innovation dates back nearly 50 years to 1968, with Hypertherm’s invention of water injection plasma cutting. The 100 percent associate owned company has more than 1,400 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.
