What is X-Definition?

Hypertherm’s new XPR300 represents the most significant advance in plasma cutting technology ever. The system offers unmatched cut quality on mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum, increased cut speed, dramatically improved productivity and a 50% operating cost reduction. In addition, new ease-of-use features and engineered system optimization make the XPR300 easier to run with minimal operator intervention, while also ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

These advances are due to an array of new process technologies which Hypertherm calls X-Definition cutting. Here’s a look at some of these key processes.

HyFlow vortex or vented nozzle technology – A unique two-piece vented nozzle design that aligns and focuses the plasma arc for increased arc stability and energy density resulting in a cleaner, sharper, more consistent edge quality on all steel including stainless steel and aluminum.

Vented Water Injection (VWI) – Patent pending process featuring a vented N2 plasma gas and H2O shield gas for less angularity and squarer cut edges on stainless steel and especially aluminum.

Vent-to-shield – Technology in which hydrogen from the vented plasma gas is reclaimed and mixed with the shield gas, reducing angularity and delivering more consistent edge color on stainless steel up to 12 mm.

Plasma dampening – Patent pending technology adds a chamber in the nozzle to absorb the pressure and flow fluctuations that create arc instability during cutting with lower current, highly constricted arcs required for thin stainless applications. This eliminates wavy and irregular cut surfaces.

Cool nozzle – Patent pending feature on the 300-amp oxygen process in which liquid cooling is sent directly to the nozzle bore, increasing cut quality over the life of the consumables by more than 40%.

Advanced arc stability – Technology that modifies impingement of the shield gas for improved arc stability when coming out of a pierce hole or out of an acute angle for reduced lead-in lengths and improved cut quality.

Another innovative feature is something called Arc response technology that senses what is happening with the plasma arc and automatically intervenes to reduce the impact of an electrode blow-out and possible torch failure. This feature can also sense when the arc is about to terminate in an uncontrolled manner. The XPR300 power supply senses when a ramp down error is about to occur and rapidly terminates the arc in a controlled manner for a threefold increase in realized consumable life.

In addition to automatic system monitoring, the XPR contains a number of other features to redefine ease-of-use. These features include a patent-pending QuickLock electrode in which the electrode is tightened and loosened in a ¼ turn, an EasyConnect tool-less connection to the TorchConnect console, and a torch design that enables one handed torch change-outs.

With the new style nozzle and electrode, X-Definition has meant huge advances in consumable technology. All the new consumables for the XPR300 including the QuickLock electrode and vented nozzle are available from our online store here. 

If you are interested in knowing more about the advances in plasma technology with X-Definition the document attached below outlines 10 things you may not know about this new technology.