# Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (Hypertherm) and Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter (Hobart) among plasma cutters.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter | Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $2009 |
| Brand | Hypertherm | Hobart |
| Cutting amperage (A) | 45 | 40 |
| Rated cut thickness | 5/8 in (16mm) | 5/8 in (16mm) |
| Sever cut thickness | 1-1/8 in (29mm) | 7/8 in (22mm) |
| Duty cycle at rated amps | 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A | 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V |
| Input voltage | 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz | 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug) |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air requirement | 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air | 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi |
| Weight (lb) | 31 | 22 |

## Key differences

- Cutting amperage (A): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 45 vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 40
- Sever cut thickness: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 1-1/8 in (29mm) vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 7/8 in (22mm)
- Duty cycle at rated amps: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 50% @ 45A, 100% @ 32A vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 60% @ 40A/240V, 35% @ 27A/120V
- Input voltage: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 200-240V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 120V/240V (MVP multi-voltage plug)
- Air requirement: Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 400 scfh (6.7 CFM) @ 90 psi, clean/dry shop air vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter 6.0 CFM @ 90-120 psi
- Weight (lb): Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter 31 vs Hobart AirForce 40i 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)
- Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter: https://store.cyberweld.com/products/hobart-airforce-40i-plasma-cutter-500576 (store.cyberweld.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-hobart-airforce-40i/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter (not published) vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter ($2009) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/plasma-cutters/hypertherm-powermax45-xp-vs-hobart-airforce-40i/
License: CC BY 4.0.