Hypertherm XPR170

$45,000 - $65,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Weight

245 lb (111 kg) power supply

output current range

30–170 A

cutting capacity mild steel

1-1/2 in (38 mm) rated, 2 in (50 mm) severance

max pierce thickness

1-1/4 in (32 mm)

cut quality mild steel

ISO 9013 Range 2 (up to 1 in)

process

X-Definition Plasma (HD plasma with vent-to-shield technology)

Overview

The Hypertherm XPR170 is a high-definition plasma cutting system delivering 170 amps of cutting power with X-Definition plasma technology. Positioned between the XPR300 and entry-level systems, the XPR170 provides industrial-grade cut quality on mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum up to 2 inches thick, making it a strong choice for job shops and fabricators requiring precision cuts without the overhead of maximum-amperage systems.

X-Definition plasma represents Hypertherm's most advanced plasma process, combining vent-to-shield technology, plasma dampening, and a new torch design to deliver ISO 9013 Range 2 or better cut quality on thin to medium gauge metals. The XPR170 achieves this standard consistently, producing parts with minimal dross, tight tolerances, and angularity that rivals laser on material thicknesses where plasma is cost-competitive. The system is especially effective on mild steel from 18 gauge up to 1-1/2 inches at production speeds.

The XPR170 shares the modular architecture of the XPR platform, featuring a built-in gas console and automatic gas control that eliminates manual pressure adjustments between cuts. The system uses compressed air, oxygen, nitrogen, or argon-hydrogen as plasma gas depending on material and application, and automatically selects shield gas from nitrogen or compressed air. This automation reduces setup time and human error while enabling unattended production runs on automated CNC tables.

Power consumption and running costs are optimized through Hypertherm's Cool Process technology, which runs consumables at cooler temperatures to extend life significantly compared to earlier high-definition systems. The LongLife consumables used in the XPR170 are rated to outlast previous-generation Hypertherm consumables by two to three times on equivalent duty cycles, lowering cost-per-part and reducing machine downtime for consumable changes. The torch is compatible with Hypertherm's SureCut technology and works seamlessly with Hypertherm ProNest nesting software for optimized material utilization.

Installation requires three-phase power at 380-480V and a compressed air supply capable of 125 psi at adequate flow. The system integrates with major CNC table brands through a standard machine interface port and supports height control systems via Arc Voltage Control output. For shops already running Hypertherm equipment, the XPR170 consumables ecosystem is separate from Powermax series, and operators should note that XPR torch leads and consumables are not interchangeable with HPR-series units. Overall, the XPR170 represents an excellent balance of cut quality, operating cost, and capital investment for high-production metal fabrication environments.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Output Current Range	30–170 A
Cutting Capacity Mild Steel	1-1/2 in (38 mm) rated, 2 in (50 mm) severance
Max Pierce Thickness	1-1/4 in (32 mm)
Cut Quality Mild Steel	ISO 9013 Range 2 (up to 1 in)
Process	X-Definition Plasma (HD plasma with vent-to-shield technology)
Plasma Gas	O2, N2, Air, F5 (Ar/H2)
Shield Gas	N2, Air
Power Factor	0.99
Input Voltage	380/400/480 V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz
Machine Weight	245 lb (111 kg) power supply

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

X-Definition plasma delivers near-laser cut quality on mild steel and stainless
Automatic gas control eliminates manual pressure adjustments
LongLife consumables reduce cost-per-part significantly vs. earlier HD systems
Modular design integrates cleanly with most major CNC table brands
Strong pierce capability up to 1-1/4 in enables thick plate production

Limitations

High capital cost compared to conventional plasma systems
Requires three-phase power and high-flow compressed air infrastructure
XPR consumables are not interchangeable with HPR or Powermax series

Best For

Job shops cutting mild steel and stainless from 18 gauge to 1-1/2 in Fabricators needing ISO 9013 Range 2 cut quality for structural parts High-production CNC table operations requiring automated gas management Shops transitioning from HPR-series looking for a right-sized upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the XPR170 and XPR300?

The XPR300 provides 300 amps for cutting thicker material (up to 3 in rated) and higher production speed on thick plate, while the XPR170 at 170 amps is optimized for material up to 1-1/2 in rated thickness. Both use X-Definition plasma technology and share the same cut quality standard; the XPR170 is a lower capital cost option for shops whose primary work falls in the thin-to-medium plate range.

02 Can the XPR170 cut stainless steel and aluminum?

Yes. The XPR170 cuts stainless steel using N2/N2 or F5/N2 gas combinations and aluminum using N2 or air processes. Cut quality on stainless is notably improved over conventional HD plasma, with reduced heat affected zone and better angularity. Aluminum cutting is effective though edge quality is typically not as refined as on mild steel.

03 What CNC tables is the XPR170 compatible with?

The XPR170 is compatible with virtually all major CNC plasma table manufacturers including Messer, Lincoln Electric (Torchmate), Koike, Esab/Victor, and others through its standard machine interface port. Hypertherm also provides detailed integration guides and works with table OEMs to certify compatibility.

04 How long do XPR170 consumables last compared to HPR-series?

Hypertherm rates XPR LongLife consumables to last two to three times longer than comparable HPR-series consumables under equivalent duty cycles. This is achieved through the Cool Process technology that runs the plasma arc at lower electrode temperatures, reducing oxidation and erosion rates significantly.

05 What power supply requirements does the XPR170 need?

The XPR170 requires three-phase power at 380, 400, or 480V (50/60 Hz). At 480V, the unit draws approximately 63A per phase at full output. A properly sized disconnect and service panel is required. Hypertherm recommends consulting a licensed electrician for installation to ensure proper grounding and conductor sizing.