Home
Operate the Plasma System
Overheating prevention and duty cycle
The duty cycle ratings help you to know how to operate a Powermax® system without overheating it.
Arc stretch and drag-cutting
Stretching the plasma arc for long periods decreases the duty cycle.

Register your new Hypertherm system
Warranty information
Recycling information
Contact us
Safety information
Where to Find Information
Install and Set Up the Plasma Power Supply
Operate the Plasma System
- Step 1 – Make sure that power and gas is connected
- Step 2 – Connect the torch lead
- Step 3 – Connect the work lead and work clamp
- Step 4 – Install the cartridge
  Install the correct cartridge for the cutting that you want to do. Unlock the torch to fire a plasma arc.
- Step 5 – Set the power switch to ON (I)
- Step 6 – Unlock the SmartSYNC torch
- Step 7 – Use the SmartSYNC hand torch
- Controls and indicators on the plasma power supply
- Controls and indicators on the hand torch
  The SmartSYNC® torch has a status indicator Light Emitting Diode (LED).
- Manual adjustments to gas pressure and current
  The plasma power supply automatically sets the gas pressure and current to align with the Hypertherm® cartridge type, operating mode, the torch type, and the length of the torch lead.
- Data contained on the cartridge
  Each Hypertherm® cartridge contains data about how it has been used.
- Overheating prevention and duty cycle
  The duty cycle ratings help you to know how to operate a Powermax® system without overheating it.
  - Arc stretch and drag-cutting
    Stretching the plasma arc for long periods decreases the duty cycle.
Cut and Mark with the Hand Torch
Gouge with the Hand Torch
Troubleshoot Common Problems
Complete Regular Maintenance Tasks

Arc stretch and drag-cutting

Stretching the plasma arc for long periods decreases the duty cycle.

Whenever possible, drag the torch on the workpiece. Refer to Start a cut from the workpiece edge.

The image shows a torch dragging versus a torch off the workpiece.

If you operate the plasma power supply on a lower rated electrical service, stretching the plasma arc for long periods can cause the plasma power supply to overheat more quickly and can cause the circuit breaker to open (trip).