Hypertherm
Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter
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Best Plasma Cutters · head-to-head
Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter vs Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter is cheaper at $2009. Every spec and price links to its source.
Hobart
Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
$2009
Which is better: the Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter or Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter?
The Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter | Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| US price | — | $2009 |
| Brand | Hypertherm | Hobart |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 |
Sources — Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter: weldingsuppliesfromioc.com (verified 2026-08-11). Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter: store.cyberweld.com (verified 2026-08-11).
What's the difference between the Hypertherm Powermax45 XP Plasma Cutter and Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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