Hypertherm, a manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is now offering a new gouging shield for people wanting even greater control when gouging with Powermax® air plasma systems.

This new Max Control Gouging shield is designed for jobs in which the operator needs to remove a very precise amount of metal. The tip of the shield is engineered and machined in a way that allows the operator to create a very shallow gouging profile.

The introduction of the Max Control gouging shield expands the offerings of Powermax gouging consumables, which includes the existing Max Removal Gouging shield and HyAccessTM extended gouging consumables. Max Removal shields are designed to remove a large amount of metal and leave a deeper gouging profile while HyAccess provides the extra reach needed when gouging in hard to reach or confined spaces.

Max Control, Max Removal and HyAccess Gouging consumables are available for Powermax systems using a DuramaxTM or Duramax HyampTM torch. This includes the Powermax65® through the Powermax125® and older systems with Duramax retrofit torches such as the Powermax600®, Powermax900® and Powermax1650®.

“Hypertherm is continuously investing in market research and engineering development to ensure we meet the needs of our customers. The end result is eleven different patented torch styles for our Powermax systems alone, plus an array of unique consumable offerings that make it easy for people to choose the right tool for each job,” explains Brenda Mahoney, a torch and consumable product manager.

Hypertherm is seeing a steady increase in the use of plasma for gouging as more companies realise the many advantages of plasma instead of alternative methods such as carbon arc. Plasma gouging allows for cleaner gouges with no carbon contamination, easier clean-up, and a safer work environment for the operator since it produces fewer fumes, creates less noise, and does not blow metal shavings back into the operator’s face. Customers who have converted to plasma gouging report operational efficiencies between three and ten times faster than carbon arc gouging, which translates into a significant cost savings.

For further details contact Craig Sterley of Hypertherm on email craig.sterley@hypertherm.com or visit www.hypertherm.com