Electrically speaking, I am curious as to what makes Hypertherm the “King” of plasma cutters. Sure it may be more durable in an industrial environment and more tolerant to dirty input power, but I am thinking output here, the ability to deliver power and cut.
I just looked at a chart on-line for the Powermax 45 and from that chart, we’re looking at 275VDC Open Circuit Volts at the output of the inverter power supply. Under Load of cutting 20mm Steel Sheet, with a max setting of 45A we’re looking at a loaded output of 145VDC. Given Volts x Amps = Watts (power) that’s some 6,525Watts (6.6kW) of cutting power.
I’m curious to find out how the other machines in the field compare electrically. Cause at the end of the day, it’s the amount of watts you can pack into that itsy-bitsy, tiny spot.
Let me have your thoughts on this and very preferably, similar data so we can compare apples to apples. Maybe George can throw some more light on this subject.
@jimcolt can weigh in as well. But the short of it is they’re the leaders in innovation in the space. Back in the 60s the founders started inventing things to make plasma cutting more consistent and reliable. They have a bunch of patents as a result. Everything from torch design to cutter electronics. They also have a commitment to quality and education that is not just marketing. I’ve never heard anyone refer to a POS Hypertherm 
Agreed! Just a curious mind here! Maybe down the road I may be able to afford one. 
Somewhat agree. Your science based thinking I believe to be correct. While downsizing overall size and weight is great for portability. It also helps planned obsolescence?
I think it comes down more to their torch design rather then power supply.
Same, i think the “quality” and of course quantity of watts delivered to the work piece is important, but the torch and consumable design determines the volume and density of air and the swirl pattern etc. I’m not going to pretend to know the ins and outs of air plasma or Hypertherm’s design but that all directly effects the bevel, material removal, and life of the consumables.
I’ve seen some really nice cuts from other brands of machines though. Hypertherm is definitely the best, but there are other good choices at different price points.
According to the Prime Weld CUT60 literature, at 220VAC mains input, Open Circuit Voltage 255VDC loading down to 104VDC at 60A (max current) If this is indeed so, 104vdc X 60A = 6240Watts (6.24kW)
I’m really interested in seeing more of this data for the other brands. I’m not by any means trying to question or knock the quality of Hypertherm (would love to have one), Just trying to get a fix on what is offered across the board and satisfy my own electrical curiosity.
I have been looking at the HTP MICROCUT™ 875SC V2 PLASMA CUTTER—CNC.
If you have time, could you analyze the output on it? The only numbers I can find on the website are Open Circuit Voltage 320V and Cutting Voltage 320V and Duty-Cycle 40% @ 55A or 100% @ 45A
As an after thought, I just sent the question to HTP "What would be the loaded output “Under Load cutting 20mm Steel Sheet, at 45A ?”