Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, today announced the release of Rotary Tube Pro 3, a major version update of its tube and pipe cutting software for machines with a rotary axis. This new release contains new features and enhancements making it easy to design and cut tube parts. These features include:

Common line cutting which allows operators to cut two or more parts so that they share at least one common line with one another. This provides greater material utilization and better consumable life.

Costing for parts, nests, and jobs to include factors such as consumable wear, machine operating cost, labor costs, electricity, etc

Auto-select of material so operators can enter basic material descriptions in settings and automatically map to available materials. With this feature, operators no longer need to separately pick a material and thickness once a tube size and wall thickness is selected.

“With Rotary Tube Pro 3 we’ve responded to our customer base with features and enhancements that we believe take a big step forward,” explained Steve Bertken, Product Manager for Hypertherm CAD/CAM software products. “With common line cutting, users now have the ability to completely eliminate scrap between parts, potentially reducing their material costs and achieving better overall efficiency.”

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, fiber laser and waterjet cutting systems, today announced a version update to its ProNest^® advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. ProNest 2017 v12.1 contains numerous enhancements designed to enable customers to achieve more.

New features include:

Dynamic align – Allows users to create a connected column or row of rectangular parts, aligned on one side. Aligned parts can be connected with a common line or bridge, then quickly bumped together manually on the nest into dynamic align columns or rows. Dynamic align parts can also be created during automatic nesting.

3D CAD Part Bevel Detection – Identifies beveled edges on SOLIDWORKS^® and Inventor^® parts and automatically assigns ProNest beveling to them during import. Single and multi-pass beveling is supported.

Output for Multiple Machines – Creates NC output files for one or more additional machines at the same time as output for the current ProNest machine.

In total, this new version builds upon the already market leading capability of ProNest 2017 with the addition of more than a dozen new features and enhancements covering everything from common line cut sequencing to ERP integration to machine interface modules; many of which are suggestions provided by current users.

Users with an active Software Subscription can upgrade to this new version at no additional charge and continue to receive unlimited technical support, and other benefits.

“These updates deliver ProNest users incremental technology enhancements, meaning less manual intervention and a reduced requirement for highly skilled workers involved in programming and cutting. Additionally, ProNest helps enable break-through SureCut technologies that can revolutionize production for our customers, including True Hole^® and Rapid part^®, which are delivered automatically without operator intervention, and True Bevel which greatly reduces bevel set up time. Also with these updates, ProNest continues to expand user capabilities via integration to their smart factory, allowing fast, easy roundtrip communication with any MRP/ERP solution,” said Derek Weston, Product Marketing Manager for Hypertherm CAD/CAM software products.

Hypertherm offers a wide range of metal cutting solutions. Can you provide us with some insights on the cutting technology and what Hypertherm has to offer in meeting today’s cutting requirements?
At Hypertherm, we don’t just focus on the cutting process. We seek to understand the challenges that our customers face, and to understand the upstream and downstream processes as a whole, so that we are able to develop and offer turn-key solutions to the end-users.

For example, by investing in advanced CAD/CAM software used for offline part programming (which is an upstream activity), the end user may be able to increase cutting machine utilization by eliminating the downtime that comes from having to wait for programming on the CNC. That same investment may also increase material utilization, leading to less wastage, which is a huge cost in most cutting operations.

Looking downstream, manufacturers could be spending unnecessary time and money on mechanical tools and labor to prepare parts for welding or painting. Investing in cut quality improvements may reduce the need for secondary operations, such as grinding or beveling, allowing the end-user to increase throughput of finished parts, not just the number of parts coming off the cutting table or robot.

Hypertherm’s new SureCut technology is an example of an integrated system that consists of various delivery mechanisms, such as our cutting systems, CNCs, and online/offline CAM software. The technology is able to automatically optimize cutting process parameters, which simplifies cutting and reduces operator intervention.

Hypertherm has introduced many new technologies and upgrades on existing ones. Tell us more about your R&D activities and what percent of your revenue goes to R&D activities?
R&D has always been an area that Hypertherm places huge emphasis on. In 1985, we introduced our first air plasma unit and our handheld line was born. To date, we have close to 1,600 associates worldwide, of which more than 10% are involved in R&D. Compared to other manufacturers, Hypertherm dedicates more resources to industrial cutting research, development, and testing. After almost 50 years of experience in the business, we currently have more than 120 patents.

For instance, we are shipping a new CNC platform called EDGE^® Connect. This next generation CNC contains a number of enhancements for operator ease of use, reliability, and customizable performance.

Each year, we also introduce patented new technologies to improve the performance of consumables and extend their usage life. Our consumable parts are designed and optimized for use with different torches, power supply, and applications.

What are the latest developments in metal cutting technologies from Hypertherm?
Hypertherm recently underwent a rebrand and a new company vision was born out of the exercise. Our new tagline “Shaping Possibility” conveys our role in providing products, services, and expertise to help customers achieve their vision, and it expresses all that is possible with Hypertherm products in the hands of hard-working manufacturers and fabricators. We endeavor to be more than just a manufacturer and supplier of cutting equipment. The focus of our customers is not on cutting; they produce finished goods. And our main mission is to provide customers with the best technologies to fulfil their business goals. Problems associated with the cutting process should not be something for them to worry about. Rather, we want to help our customers concentrate their efforts on what they do best – manufacturing and delivering finished goods.

Instead of focusing on the development of new technologies for cutting, we are now more focused on enhancement – helping our customers to cut better, faster, and more efficiently – but with solutions that are cost-effective at the same time.

For example, our latest plasma system, the Powermax45XP, offers enhanced gouging and marking capabilities, with increased cut capacity and a faster cut speed. In the near future, we have plans to redefine the mechanized cutting technology. All these technology developments tie in closely with our rebrand and new tagline.

How do you see the response for such solutions in the Asian market and especially in India?
At the moment, the overall Asian market is depressed. We have observed a slowdown in the shipyard, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing industries across Asia. As a result, instead of looking at increasing capacity, customers will come to expect efficiency, cost-savings, and quality when it comes to cutting. In this sense, Hypertherm’s enhanced solutions will be highly relevant to the market demands, and we anticipate positive response from the market.

Do you see any difference in demand pattern in India, in comparison to more developed countries?
India is currently undergoing a transformation, where manufacturers are moving away from manual and labor-intensive manufacturing to rely more on automation.  With the new global wave of Industry 4.0, we foresee that more and more emerging markets (e.g. India) will jump onto this bandwagon. I personally view India as an attractive market for greater adoption of automated, robotic, CAD/CAM applications, and advanced manufacturing.

How is the business outlook in India?
Despite the bearish market outlook, growth of the Indian market looks promising. Infrastructure developments, such as new railways, roads, and energy plants, have boosted the demand for metal cutting. The introduction of new GST rules will be a game changing reform for the Indian economy that will ease business operations in India. The ‘Make in India’ campaign launched by the government will also contribute to the growth of the manufacturing sector, and we are looking forward to the business opportunities that will come along with it.

What are the future trends in the metal cutting industry?
For one, evolving IoT technology will lead to greater process optimization and the development of more preventive solutions. As the cutting process becomes more sophisticated, businesses will be able to monitor and track parameters like machine performance, process quality, operating costs, predictive maintenance, and consumable use data. Along with these data comes the potential to optimize the cutting process and reduce wastage, giving rise to a more proactive and responsive cutting system.

Emphasis on safety during cutting is also a trend that is expected to continue. For instance, one of the ways that we have improved product safety is by using less energy in the cutting process, and we have managed to do so without compromising on the cut quality.

Trends don’t exist solely in cutting but across the manufacturing chain on a whole. One such area is in the development of remote help capabilities, which allow the OEM and cutting expert to be virtually ‘onsite’ with the end user in his factory within minutes – via the Internet. This can potentially help equipment manufacturers enhance their service standards.

I also foresee more integration of green initiatives within businesses. For instance, the introduction of highly recyclable systems that allows products to be reused, recycled, or properly reclaimed at the end of their lifespan. Companies may also begin to be more concerned about decreasing the carbon impact of the products and logistics network. For instance, Hypertherm has established ambitious environmental impact reduction strategies for waste, energy, and carbon emissions, to be achieved by 2020. These strategies are developed to help guide our decision-making processes, as we strike a balance between meeting current needs, and building long-term resiliency and success in an increasingly resource-constrained world.

What are the future plans for Hypertherm?
Hypertherm will continue to put in substantial R&D investment for innovation and to further develop existing technologies, all with the end goal of developing solutions that are more efficient and cost-effective. We plan to keep launching new products and technologies, and to come up with more integrated solutions in plasma cutting.

We also plan to increase efforts in public education, both in plasma cutting technology and anti-counterfeiting. A large part of what we provide lies in education, which allows our customers to keep abreast of developing technologies and to improve on what they are currently doing. Through education, end-users can gain a better understanding of the plasma advantage. Our goal is to increase the awareness of plasma amongst end-users so that they can make well-informed decisions on the technology that best suit their needs.

On the front of counterfeit consumables, Hypertherm will continue our efforts to educate end users and minimize the use of these counterfeit products. In recent years, we have noticed an increase in the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the market. Our key concern is that customers are purchasing counterfeits unknowingly. As these goods lack the proprietary technologies developed by Hypertherm, they will not provide the For expected life and performance of our cutting systems, which in turn affects the Hypertherm brand name. To address this concern, we have put in place various initiatives to educate our sales teams, channel partners, and end-users on how to detect counterfeit products and their producers. To date, we have also successfully pursued legal action against counterfeiters, and it is encouraging to know that our efforts are recognized by the legal system. We will continue our efforts to protect the market from inferior imitation products and to eliminate fake goods.

We also plan to strengthen our existing distribution network and extend our reach, particularly within the developing markets, including India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. among others.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, today announced the release of Rotary Tube Pro, software that makes it easier to design and cut tube and pipe parts with no 3D CAD experience required.

The software features a parametric design interface that allows main tubes and side-wall cutouts to be added from a list of pre-defined shapes. Alternatively, users can add tubes and cutouts directly from a CAD program. This flexibility means fabricators and manufacturers can enjoy greater productivity by increasing programming speed, and improving cut quality for improved fit-up with fewer secondary operations. The software also includes an optional rotary bevel interface provided with bevel cut charts based on True Bevel technology, which greatly reduce bevel setup time.

Rotary Tube Pro software includes more embedded cut process expertise in the NC code than other tube and pipe software. By drawing on years of research and development, Hypertherm software developers were able to deliver optimal outcomes based on factory-tested and proven job parameters including leads, separations, kerf, feedrate, and cutting techniques. Also, Hypertherm has applied feedback received during months of testing to the Rotary Tube Pro version available Enhancements include:

· New 3D geometric modeling engine that delivers a faster, more responsive 3D model when entering dimensions and other properties

· Ability to import STEP file formats (*.step), for the quick exchange of 3D objects from one platform to another

· Cut sequence enhancements that allow for the cutting of interior parts first and improved sequencing flexibility

· Simplified bevel material selection in which only materials and classes that can be beveled are displayed

· New setups, spreadsheets and machine files that enhance cut quality and accuracy on beveled tubes

Hypertherm’s Centricut brand is shipping new consumables designed for use with all Kjellberg PerCut 221M and PerCut 451M torches found on Kjellberg HiFocus neo plasma cutting systems.

The new Centricut brand consumables for mild steel cutting deliver the same benefits found when using Kjellberg neo consumables, at a lower cost. In addition, the Centricut brand consumables are designed with keyless nozzles for use in all Kjellberg torch models available today. Testing by Hypertherm confirms consumable life, cut speed, and cut quality are all comparable or better when using the Centricut brand. In addition, the Centricut brand consumables offer process repeatability.

“Hypertherm’s engineering and manufacturing excellence ensures users get high quality consumables that provide consistent, reliable performance of their cutting system,” explains Cynthia von Recklinghausen, the product manager for Hypertherm’s Centricut brand. “At the same time, customers can lower their overall cost of cutting since Centricut brand consumables cost less.”

Centricut brand products, like all Hypertherm products, are designed with critical-to-function tolerances and are precision manufactured by advanced machinists to deliver the best quality product every time. Businesses interested in a free trial of any Centricut brand product or a technical consultation about improving their cutting process can contact Hypertherm at 800-752-7623 or their authorized Hypertherm distributor.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is excited to announce the release of the new Powermax45 XP—successor to the best-selling Powermax of all time—offering the most power and versatility in its class.

Delivering 6.5 kilowatts of output power—70 percent more than many competitive systems—the new system is extra powerful, allowing it to cleanly cut material up to 5/8″ (16 mm) in thickness, and sever material of nearly twice that thickness. Similar to the Powermax45 before it, the Powermax45 XP is even more versatile. A new low-amp process makes it easy to mark, score, and make precision gouges, while the lighter design makes it more portable. The versatility is further enhanced by the availability of 11 different torch styles for handheld and mechanized use plus a variety of consumable types for specialized cutting and gouging applications.

The system comes with many Hypertherm only technological innovations including an all new Duramax Lock torch which has a torch disable switch for quick replacement of consumables, a FastConnect torch to quickly switch between different torches, and Smart Sense technology that automatically adjusts gas pressure and flow for optimal performance.

“As the successor to the world’s most popular plasma, Hypertherm is setting a high bar with the Powermax45 XP by delivering more cutting power and faster cut speeds, plus the ability to do more than just cut and gouge with the new marking capability,” explains Russ Diefenbach, product manager for Hypertherm Powermax systems. “At the same time, the system is lighter and comes with many more torch options and specially designed long-lasting consumables to keep operator productivity high and operating costs low.”

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is introducing a lower-amp SilverPlus® electrode. This new electrode, for its HyPerformance family of plasma cutting systems, is designed for cutting at 80 amps.

Like all SilverPlus electrodes, the new 80 amp electrode is proven in Hypertherm laboratory testing to last more than twice as long as a standard copper electrode. Instead of replacing the electrode at a pit depth of 0.040 of an inch as recommended with standard electrodes, SilverPlus electrodes are designed to last to a pit depth of 0.080 of an inch. In addition, the electrode delivers a very consistent range 4 and 5 cut quality throughout its life, allowing owners to lower their operating cost, with no impact on cut quality or speed.

The electrodes, protected by patent, are created by fusing a completely solid silver tip on to a copper electrode base. A hafnium pin is then inserted into the tip. This serves to dramatically slow the wear rate for both the electrode and nozzle as silver disperses heat better than copper. Hypertherm’s electrodes are further differentiated from competitive and after-market consumables by a superior bond between the copper and silver. This results in more consistent wear rates, deeper pit depths, and more robustness to ramp down errors and hard failures.

“The proven performance of SilverPlus makes these electrodes a popular and cost-effective choice since it allows HyPerformance Plasma owners to cut their electrode and nozzle costs in half,” says Martin Geheran, a consumables product manager at Hypertherm. “These electrodes are a perfect example of Hypertherm’s commitment to lowering the cost of cutting for people who own our products.”

In addition to the new 80 amp electrode introduced today, Hypertherm also offers 130, 200, 260, and 400 amp versions with similar performance. Please contact Hypertherm or an authorized partner to request samples of SilverPlus electrodes.

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, robotic 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 New Hampshire based 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, consistently named a best place to work, has more than 1,400 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is introducing SilverPlus® electrodes for its HyPerformance® HPR400XD plasma cutting systems.

Thorough laboratory testing shows SilverPlus electrodes last 50 percent longer than standard copper electrodes in most cutting applications. Instead of replacing the electrode at a pit depth of 0.040 of an inch as recommended with standard copper electrodes, SilverPlus electrodes are designed to last to a pit depth of at least 0.080 of an inch. In addition, the electrode delivers a very consistent range 4 and 5 cut quality throughout its life. This allows owners to lower their operating cost with no impact on cut quality or speed.

Hypertherm’s SilverPlus electrodes are differentiated from other silver electrodes on the market in the way they are manufactured. By fusing the silver tip to a copper blank, using a patented process prior to electrode machining, Hypertherm electrodes have the best life and consistent performance. When used with an oxygen plasma gas on mild (carbon) steel, SilverPlus electrodes can burn deeper than copper electrodes extending the life of the electrode. Additionally, silver electrodes help to preserve the size and shape of the nozzle orifice increasing nozzle life as well.

“Our SilverPlus electrodes are proven to deliver performance benefits to owners and operators of our HyPerformance systems,” says Martin Geheran, a consumables product manager at Hypertherm. “At the same time, the increased electrode life also translates into double the nozzle life, helping owners lower their consumable costs.”

In addition to the new 400 amp electrode introduced today, Hypertherm also offers 130, 200 and 260 amp versions with similar performance. Please contact Hypertherm or an authorized partner to request samples of SilverPlus electrodes.

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, robotic 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 New Hampshire based 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, consistently named a best place to work, has more than 1,400 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Hypertherm, manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is shipping a new CNC platform called EDGE® Connect. This next generation CNC contains a number of enhancements for operator ease of use, reliability, and customizable performance.
New features include:

•  The newest version of Hypertherm’s Phoenix software coupled with SureCut technology for unsurpassed ease of use and consistent performance for cutting applications.
•  A software based operator’s console and embedded PLC feature called PLC Connect that allows for greater customization of a cutting machine with reduced costs.
• Enhanced CNC based nesting for convenient operator programming with SureCut outcomes via ProNest CNC.
•  Three new modern hardware options that improve performance, reduce weight, and increase reliability.

“Our customers wanted greater functionality integrated into their cutting machines coupled with our embedded expertise. EDGE Connect delivers that through our new software applications running on this new hardware platform,” said Nathan Pascarella, CNC Product Marketing Manager for Hypertherm. “In addition, EDGE Connect offers greater flexibility for machine operators with ProNest CNC, a feature that allows SureCut outcomes to be programmed quickly and efficiently from the touchscreen interface. It is a great complement to our offline CAM software, providing a solution when offline CAM programming might not be available.”

Cutting machine customization is further enhanced by quick and easy set up through an EtherCAT communication platform and custom software configuration that allows for up to 12 axes through an online configurator. The hardware platform is the foundation and software selections enable any EDGE Connect to be set for various cutting applications. Furthermore, cutting machine manufacturers can develop their own operator consoles and auxiliary programs using the Soft Op Con API and PLC Connect.

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, robotic 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 New Hampshire based 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, consistently named a best place to work, has more than 1,400 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, today announced a major version upgrade to its ProNest^® advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. ProNest^® 2017 contains a number of improvements designed to make customers more efficient and profitable.

New features include:

• Manual nesting improvements, including drag array, anchor part to cursor, and automatic bumping functionality for greater control and faster nesting.
• Color by part property that fills parts with different colors based on a designated attribute (name, priority, work order number, due date, etc.) and ProNest reports that show fill colors in part images making it easier to locate parts.
• Redesigned drill machine interface for plasma or oxyfuel machines that incorporate drilling, tapping, and other spindle operations to seamlessly tackle jobs directly in ProNest.
• Native 64-bit support allowing ProNest to take advantage of the extra accessible memory available on a 64-bit CPU/Operating System.

“The outcomes our customers expect as a result of using Hypertherm CAD/CAM software drives us to deliver exceptional solutions so they may achieve more…and do it more profitably. ProNest 2017 will deliver increased material savings, boost productivity, lower operating cost and improve part quality,” said Derek Weston, Product Marketing Manager for Hypertherm CAD/CAM software products. “In addition, ProNest 2017 contains more embedded cut process expertise in the NC code than any other software, allowing our customers to leverage patented technologies like True Hole^®, True Bevel, and Rapid Part.”

More changes to Hypertherm’s nesting software family of products are also taking place as part of this major version release. Hypertherm nesting software for cutting in production environments, formerly named TurboNest^®, is now called ProNest LT. Also, Hypertherm nesting software for cutting in job shop environments, formerly NestMaster, is now ProNest LTS. ProNest LT and LTS contain many of the features found in ProNest 2017. Users with an active Software Subscription can upgrade to the new version of their respective product at no additional charge and continue to receive unlimited technical support, and other benefits.