Using The Cut Charts - Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Operator's Manual

9
Cut Charts and Marking Charts

Using the cut charts

The cut charts in this section are intended to provide a good starting point. Adjust the variables in the cut
charts as needed to achieve optimal results for your cutting equipment and environment.
Cut charts are provided for each set of mechanized cutting and marking consumables. A consumable
diagram with part numbers precedes each cut chart.
Cut charts are included for:
Cutting mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum at 45 A with air using shielded consumables

Cutting mild steel and stainless steel with air using FineCut consumables

Cutting stainless steel at 45 A with F5 using shielded consumables

Marking and dimpling at 10 – 25 A with air and argon using Marking consumables

Each cut chart may contain the following information:
Amperage setting – The amperage setting at the top of the page applies to all the settings given

on that page. In FineCut charts, the amperage setting for each thickness is included in the cut
chart.
Material Thickness – Thickness of the workpiece (metal plate being cut).

Torch-to-Work Distance – For shielded consumables, the distance between the shield and the

workpiece during cutting. For unshielded consumables, the distance between the nozzle and the
workpiece during cutting. This is also known as cut height.
Initial Pierce Height – Distance between the shield (shielded) or the nozzle (unshielded) and the

workpiece when the torch is fired, prior to descending to the cut height. In marking charts, this is
referred to as Initial Marking Height.
Pierce Delay Time – Length of time the triggered torch remains stationary at the pierce height

before the torch starts the cutting motion. In marking charts, this is referred to as Delay Time.
Best Quality Settings (cut speed and voltage) – Settings that provide the starting point for

finding the best cut quality (best angle, least dross, best cut-surface finish). Adjust the speed for
your application and table to obtain the desired result.
Production Settings (cut speed and voltage) – 70% to 80% of the maximum speed ratings.

These speeds result in the greatest number of cut parts, but not necessarily the best possible cut
quality.

The arc voltage increases as the consumables wear, so the voltage setting may
need to be increased to maintain the correct torch-to-work distance. Some
CNCs monitor the arc voltage and adjust the torch lifter automatically.
Kerf Width – Width of material removed by the cutting process. The kerf widths were obtained

with the "Best Quality" settings and are for reference only. Differences between installations and
material composition may cause actual results to vary from those shown in the tables.
Width and Depth – The marking and dimpling cut charts list the profile dimensions of the mark or

dimple.
122 809240 Operator Manual Powermax45 XP