Hypertherm XPR170
Key Specifications
output current range
cutting capacity mild steel
max pierce thickness
cut quality mild steel
plasma gas
shield gas
How much does the Hypertherm XPR170 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a cnc plasma cutting in this class — not a quote from Hypertherm. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Hypertherm XPR170 is a 170 A mechanized plasma power source for CNC cutting tables, with a 30–170 A output range and 35.7 kW of output power. Hypertherm rates it for 1-1/2 in (38 mm) mild steel and gives a maximum pierce thickness of 1-1/4 in (32 mm).
Those two numbers sit close together, and that is useful. Pierce thickness, not rated thickness, decides what can be nested with internal features, because plate above the pierce limit must be started from an edge. Here that edge-start band runs only from 1-1/4 in (32 mm) to 1-1/2 in (38 mm), so most of the rated range can be pierced.
Cut quality is where thickness needs watching. The table gives ISO 9013 Range 2 on mild steel up to 1 in. Above that the system still cuts to its rating, but the table makes no Range 2 statement, so parts with tight edge requirements should be kept at or under 1 in.
The duty cycle is 100% at 35.7 kW, rated at 40° C (104° F), so full output can be held continuously at that ambient temperature. Output voltage spans 50 VDC–210 VDC and open circuit voltage is 360 VDC. Plasma gases are O2, N2, Air and F5, with N2 or Air as the shield gas. The table does not pair gases with materials, so confirm the combination for each metal from the cut charts.
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) |
| Plasma Gas | O2, N2, Air, F5 (Ar/H2) |
| Shield Gas | N2, Air |
| Open Circuit Voltage | 360 VDC |
| Output Current | 170 A |
| Output Power | 35.7 kW |
| Output Voltage | 50 VDC–210 VDC |
| Duty Cycle | 100% at 35.7 kW, 40° C (104° F) |
| Severance Capacity | 60 / 2–3/8 |
Specifications sourced from hypertherm.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 100% duty cycle at 35.7 kW, rated at 40° C (104° F)
- Maximum pierce thickness of 1-1/4 in (32 mm), close to the 1-1/2 in (38 mm) rated mild steel capacity
- ISO 9013 Range 2 cut quality on mild steel up to 1 in
- 30–170 A output range, so current can be matched to plate thickness
- Four plasma gases listed (O2, N2, Air and F5) with N2 or Air as the shield
Limitations
- The ISO 9013 Range 2 statement stops at 1 in; no quality range is given for thicker mild steel
- Rated mild steel capacity is 1-1/2 in (38 mm), which rules out regular work in thicker plate
- Mild steel between 1-1/4 in (32 mm) and 1-1/2 in (38 mm) is above the pierce limit and needs an edge start
- The table gives no stainless steel or aluminum capacity for this model
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The rated mild steel capacity is 1-1/2 in (38 mm) and the maximum pierce thickness is 1-1/4 in (32 mm). Plate between the two can be cut from an edge start but not pierced, which matters for parts with holes or internal profiles.
02
Hypertherm lists ISO 9013 Range 2 on mild steel up to 1 in. No range is stated above that thickness, so if a drawing calls for a specific ISO 9013 range on thicker plate, ask for cut samples before committing the work to this system.
03
100% at 35.7 kW, rated at 40° C (104° F). In practice the power source does not need rest periods at full output in an ambient up to that temperature. Maximum output current is 170 A and the output voltage range is 50 VDC–210 VDC.
04
The plasma gas row lists O2, N2, Air and F5, and the shield gas row lists N2 and Air. The table does not say which pairing suits which material, so plan the gas supplies from the cut charts for the metals you intend to cut.
05
Output is the main difference. The XPR170 has a maximum output current of 170 A and 35.7 kW of output power, and its mild steel rating is 1-1/2 in (38 mm). The XPR300 is listed at 300 A. Both show an open circuit voltage of 360 VDC.
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