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I have the opportunity to buy a HD plasma table. I would like to know the pros and cons of such a table. It is in great shape. Is it worth the extra hassle of running such a setup? Forget the purchase price for the moment. If you all had the option of a HD table versus a air plasma for the same initial price would you go for the HD?
hell yes.....its night and day difference between the two types....and hypertherm is the way to go for either of them, id say esab is 2nd in line based on my using of both types.
The table has a Esab plasma generator and oxy/acet torch also.
HD plasma....which generally refers to High Definition plasma.....is a technology used only in high end industrial plasma systems. These systems use relatively new technology that increases the energy density of the plasma arc.....which makes for a higher velocity, narrower arc, which produces squarer, cleaner cuts on most materials and thicknesses.
While the high definition plasma process was introduced by Hypertherm in the mid 1990's (trade name HyDefinition Plasma)...and originally was limited to 70 amps output for cutting up to 3/8" (10 mm)...today a few major manufacturers claim to have similar technology.
Hypertherm today has high definition plasma systems (now called HPR plasma) that start at 130 amps...and go as high as 800 amps. These systems combine the highest levels of cut quality, consumable life, productivity as well as automation.....with versions that require almost no operator training.
So...high definition class plasma systems are normally found on cnc cutting machines costing upwards of $100,000......yet you can buy a cnc machine equipped with an air plasma system for less than $20k. Which system is better suited to your needs?
The high definition plasma is designed with an advanced, liquid cooled torch that utilizes specially designed high energy density consumable parts. These consumables....while more costly to purchase as compared to air plasma....typically last 6 to 10 times longer than the best air plasma cutting consumables. Further, the HD plasma cuts faster....especially on heavier plate (more parts cut per shift), and cuts with squarere edges, less dross, higher overall cut part accuracy (when installed on a precision cnc cutting machine) and better cut edge metalurgy (HD plasma uses a variety of gases for different metals that leave a cleaner, more weldable edge on cut parts). High definition plasma cuts materials thicker than 4.5 mm faster than a C02 laser.....and cut quality on materials 0f 12.5 mm and thicker are very similar to laser cuts. So similar cut quality, lower operating costs and much higher productivity on thicker materials as compared to a laser.
High Definition plasma is a better choice as compared to air plasma if you require high productivity, high quality, ease of use (newer technology HPR systems only) and lower operating cost (cost per part or per foot of cut) as compared to an air plasma.
Air plasma is a better choice if you are doing short production runs, have a capital equipment budget that cannot handle a $100k machine, and do not need extremely high productivity.
Keep in mind as well...no plasma will cut any better than the cnc machine motion and height control system will allow for. A machine with poor acceleration, mechanical backlash and a height control that is innacurate..will produce poor cut quality results.
Jim Colt Hypertherm
The table I was interested in turned out not to be a HD table after all. It was set up to cut SS and ALU.
After talking to Jim Colt and Uli Horst in Germany I have decided to buy a HyperTherm Maxpro200. It will do what I want and won't break the bank.
Anyone on here using one of these units?