The wait is over for Powermax1000 and Powermax1250 owners interested in upgrading to the latest Hypertherm torch technology.

Similar to the new Duramax torches intro­duced last fall with Hypertherm's new Power­max65? and Powermax85? systems, the torches were designed with durability in mind. They can withstand impacts five times greater than the previous generation of torches and are more heat- resistant so they can easily conquer the most demanding job. The Duramax torches use a new Conical Flow? nozzle and spring electrode for longer consumable life. Hypertherm testing shows an up to 55 per cent increase in the life of the Duramax consumables, which translates into a 30 per cent savings on consumable costs.

?We were using five sets of tips per week. Now with the new retrofit torch, we use the system more and are using only one set per week,? said Travis Bering, a manufacturing foreman at JMH Trailers in Pennsylvania. Bering estimates the money his company is saving on consumables will help JMH buy another plasma system for their shop.

The Duramax retrofit torches also offer convenience. They are designed with the same Easy Torch Removal (ETR) connection as the standard Powermax1000 and Powermax1250 torches, enabling switching from the older torch to the new in just seconds. These retrofit torches use the same consumables as Hypertherm's Powermax65 and Powermax85, allowing customers with a mix of systems to simplify their consumables stock. In addition, Spring Start? technology, a new patent-pending design, elim­inates moving parts within the torch for greater reliability.

The Duramax retrofit torches are available in either an ergonomic, 75-degree hand torch (HRT) or a 15-inch full-length machine torch (MRT). Similar to the standard Duramax machine torches, customers have the ability to convert the MRT into a 6-inch, short-barrelled machine torch perfect for robotic and pipe-cutting applications.

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced metal cutting systems for use in a variety of industries such as ship-building, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes hand­held and mechanised plasma and laser systems, consum­ables, as well as CNC motion and height controls and cutting software. Hypertherm systems are trusted for perfor­mance and reliability that results in increased produc­tivity and profitability for tens of thou­sands of busin­esses. The New Hamp­shire-based comp­any's reput­ation for metal cutting innovation dates back more than 40 years to 1968, with Hyper­therm's invention of water injection plasma cutt­ing. The company, consist­ently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 1,000 associates along with operations and partner repre­sentation worldwide.