LETTER FROM HYPERTHERM

In the world of sales training, it seems you can’t look through a course syllabus these days without seeing a module on turning the sales professional into a “trusted advisor”. I suppose it’s a good thing that the sales profession is seeking to steer its members away from ABC (Always Be Closing) to a more customer-focused ethos, but the cynical part of me worries that it just means that the car salesman across the desk will be using a new set of transparently rehearsed lines seemingly focused on me, but still primarily interested in my wallet.

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

After more than a quarter century working for others, Gary Hall decided it was time to strike out on his own; and so he did, opening his own business seven years ago. Today, despite the great recession and an uncertain economy ever since, Gary has managed to defy typical small business odds by building a successful business in Canada’s Alberta province.

TECHNICAL TIP

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of underwater versus open air cutting on a water table? Often the answer lies in your priorities. Are you concerned about smoke and noise in the factory when cutting? Do you want True Hole capability and quality? Giving thought to what you really need will help provide the answer. In addition, it will help you better understand the different tradeoffs in cut quality or plant infrastructure before any final decisions are made.

LIVE LEARNING

LONGER SYSTEM LIFE
Hypertherm systems are engineered and built to last, but even the best systems will let you down if you don’t take care of them. Hypertherm’s Jim Colt shows you how to enjoy years of worry free performance in this webinar covering preventive maintenance. Watch now.

WATERJET CUTTING
Learn all about waterjet cutting—what it is, how it works and more—in this 20 minute interactive course presented by the Hypertherm Cutting Institute. Take class.

SUCCESS STORIES

Normally, one doesn’t think to combine food processing and oil and gas into one sentence. But a trip down to Houston’s Sani-Weld quickly changes that. There you’ll find a company that fabricates items for both those industries and then some.

Sani-Weld’s claim to fame lies in its creative solutions for industries requiring sanitary equipment and a pristine manufacturing environment. This makes Sani-Weld a natural partner for the food processing industry since the smallest problem can wreak havoc with the nation’s food supply. However, food processing is just one of many industries requiring a precise and methodological manufacturing process. Industries such as oil and gas, medical, pharmaceutical, and semi-conductor industries also rely on Sani-Weld and its custom fabrication solutions.

Ask Jim

COSTING PLASMA CUT PARTS
Q. I’m thinking of turning my plasma hobby into a business so I can make some money off the equipment sitting in my garage. I’m unsure what to charge for my work though. Do you have any suggestions?

A. There are a few different ways to determine a cost for the items you cut, but here’s the method I use.

The first thing I do is take the price I paid for the metal I’m going to use and divide it by the number of square inches in the sheet. If I buy a 4' x 8' sheet (the equivalent of 4,608 square inches) of 3/16" steel for $170, I divide $170 by 4,608 to come up with 0.037 or 3.7 cents. That is my purchase cost for one square inch of 3/16" steel. I include all my costs in this number. If I have to hop in my truck to pick up the steel, I’ll include travel time and vehicle expenses in the dollar amount.

Hypertherm Innovations

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST POWERMAX
It’s now here just yet, but will be soon: our new Powermax125. Although this system isn’t expected to hit stores until later this year, here’s a sneak peak just for SPARK readers.

The Powermax125 incorporates the newest plasma technology into an air plasma system with a full 100 percent duty cycle. It comes with a recommended 1 1/2” cut capacity but is so powerful, it can sever 2 1/4”.

Special Promotions

Did you know Hypertherm Centricut consumables can more than double consumable life and improve cut quality on your Kaliburn system? Not only that, but you’ll see more consistent cut quality throughout the life of your consumable set.

The increased life and more consistent cut quality is due to Hypertherm’s SilverLine and CoolFlow technology. Hypertherm is offering a free trial of these consumables to U.S. and Canadian customers who have a Kaliburn Spirit or ProLine system. Request your electrode and nozzle now.

On the Road

Fall is upon us which means a schedule full of trade shows including North American’s largest fabricating and metalworking tradeshow.

- FABTECH 2013, Chicago
- ACTE Career Tech Expo, Las Vegas
- Tulsa Farm Show

Find a show near you.