Choosing between Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics

[SierraBrad]

Looking for advice and information. Looking at upgrading my PM45 to either a PM65 or TD A60i, thoughts? Do most of my cutting in 14ga to 3/8", really looking to get into marking as well (designs and bend/weld lines). Does the marking work good enough for designs? Are people running shielded or unshielded?

[adbuch]

Have you considered the Hypertherm 45xp? This is a great machine with Duramax Torch which will take the FineCut consumables, and is very capable of "marking". It is capable of cutting 5/8" thick steel, and maybe a little bit thicker. I own and use both the 45xp and 85 and they are both great machines.
David

[weldguy]

I have not used any of these air plasma's for marking but I have plenty of experince with both HT and TD and I would go HT for sure. TD's have always proven to be finicky and just don;t seem as robust and reliable. An affordable alternative for marking with the PM65 would be the EasyScriber which would give you the better plasma cutter with marking capability. The 45XP is another solid option as David mentioned.

[SRdesign]

We have a TD A120 at work and I have a PM85 at home. I personally prefer the PM85 because of the digital display, the design of the torch, and the ability to use fine cut consumables. The TD has a manual air psi knob, Hypertherm is automatic.

[adbuch]

It sounds like the PM85 is a "Cadillac" compared to the Thermal Dynamics.
David

[Scratch]

I had a TD151 for about maybe 15 years. I got it because at the time, TD could cut thicker material than the comparable HT unit.
My 151 got damaged by lightning a few years ago and I would have gone with HT but I already hand a hand torch for the TD, plus my LWS would give me 1000.00 credit towards another TD unit so I got a TD58. I'm happy with my new one and I was happy with my old one (before the magic smoke escaped)
I guess I'm not much help since I haven't owned both, but just wanted to say that TD works perfectly acceptable for what we do as well. I also have an easyscriber for it but haven't used it yet.

[SierraBrad]

Thanks guys. Have a HT PM45 now. Looking at going Leger and like the marking option. Not an option on HT PM65. Hypertherm is also up to 16 weeks delivery.
Deciding between a TD A60i available now, or waiting for HT PM45xp or PM65.
Looking at cut quality and reliability of TD A60i

[adbuch]

Thanks guys. Have a HT PM45 now. Looking at going Leger and like the marking option. Not an option on HT PM65. Hypertherm is also up to 16 weeks delivery.
Deciding between a TD A60i available now, or waiting for HT PM45xp or PM65.
Looking at cut quality and reliability of TD A60i

It sounds like Hypertherm can't keep up with the current demand for their machines. This would be a good problem to have, and speaks to the popularity and large demand for their machines. I personally own and use both the 45xp and Powermax 85 for cnc cutting. I like them both, particularly with the availability of the FineCut consumables for the Duramax torch. If you can get by with your current machine until the 45xp is available, then that would be my best advise.

David

[SierraBrad]

Thanks guys. Have a HT PM45 now. Looking at going Leger and like the marking option. Not an option on HT PM65. Hypertherm is also up to 16 weeks delivery.
Deciding between a TD A60i available now, or waiting for HT PM45xp or PM65.
Looking at cut quality and reliability of TD A60i

It sounds like Hypertherm can't keep up with the current demand for their machines. This would be a good problem to have, and speaks to the popularity and large demand for their machines. I personally own and use both the 45xp and Powermax 85 for cnc cutting. I like them both, particularly with the availability of the FineCut consumables for the Duramax torch. If you can get by with your current machine until the 45xp is available, then that would be my best advise.

David

I hear ya and thanks for the feedback.
Another issue is looking for marking and upgrading to cut 1/2”. PM65 doesn’t have marking, but fine cut. A60i has marking and the 1/2” cut. I have been told TD would cut very close to fine cut??

[djreiswig]

I believe you can cut 1/2" with the xp. Not sure what the duty cycle is, though.

[adbuch]

The 45xp will pierce 1/2" and cut 5/8" at 45 Amps (50% duty cycle). It will cut up to 1" if you de-rate the duty cycle.
David

OM_809240_R4_Powermax45XP.pdf

45xp power supply ratings.jpg

45xp max cut speeds.jpg

45xp cutting specs.jpg