# Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (Hypertherm) and ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter (ESAB) among plasma cutters.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter | ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $1734 |
| Brand | Hypertherm | ESAB |
| Cutting amperage (A) | 45 | 40 |
| Rated cut thickness | 5/8 in (16mm) | 1/2 in (12mm) |
| Sever cut thickness | 1-1/8 in (29mm) | 1 in (25mm) |
| Duty cycle at rated amps | 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A | 40% @ 40A, 60% @ 30A, 100% @ 20A |
| Input voltage | 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz | 110-240V, 1-PH, auto-sensing |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air requirement | 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air | 300-500 cfh (5-8.3 CFM) @ 90-125 psi |
| Weight (lb) | 31 | 22 |

## Key differences

- Cutting amperage (A): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 45 vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 40
- Rated cut thickness: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 5/8 in (16mm) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 1/2 in (12mm)
- Sever cut thickness: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 1-1/8 in (29mm) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 1 in (25mm)
- Duty cycle at rated amps: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 40% @ 40A, 60% @ 30A, 100% @ 20A
- Input voltage: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 110-240V, 1-PH, auto-sensing
- Air requirement: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 300-500 cfh (5-8.3 CFM) @ 90-125 psi
- Weight (lb): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 31 vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter 22

## Sources

- Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter: https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/products/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-plasma-cutter-with-20-foot-hand-torch-088012 (weldingsuppliesfromioc.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter: https://store.cyberweld.com/products/thermal-dynamics-cutmaster-40-plasma-cutter-1-4000-1 (store.cyberweld.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-esab-cutmaster-40/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (not published) vs ESAB (Thermal Dynamics) Cutmaster 40 Plasma Cutter ($1734) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-esab-cutmaster-40/
License: CC BY 4.0.