LETTER FROM HYPERTHERM

Despite mixed signals on the economic front, our customers are entering 2013 with an optimistic view of things to come. We too are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the addition of waterjet cutting, brought about by our recent acquisition of AccuStream, to our offering of cutting technologies.

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

A hidden network of tunnels, pipelines, and underground conduits ensure the delivery of reliable modern conveniences: electricity, phone, cable, and high-speed Internet service. To efficiently create these tunnels, energy and public utility contractors rely on trenchless digging, using directional drilling equipment. Ohio-based Barbco Inc. is one such manufacturer of directional drilling equipment. The company's machines can quickly drill through layers of earth creating the tunnels needed to not only lay wire, cable, and fiber, but to also construct oil pipelines and pressure pumps for shale extraction.

TECHNICAL TIP

Have you ever experienced a melted torch body? If you have, a possible reason is that you are used to using cut quality as a monitor for timing a consumables change and have been burned by the bug of product and systems improvements. For people with a Built for Business Integrated Cutting Solutions set up (e.g. Hypertherm plasma system, CNC, THC, and CAM software) diminishing consumable life won't necessarily show in cut quality degradation until it is too late. Fortunately, there is an easy way to minimize the chance of melting your torch and that is by using the "Watch Windows" functionality on your controller.

LIVE LEARNING

CUT SPEED AND ARC LAG
Figuring out the perfect cut speed can take some trial and error. Traveling too quickly or too slowly both bring their own set of problems. So, how can you be sure you're cutting at the right speed? Watch this video from the experts at the Hypertherm Cutting Institute to find out. Watch now.

DIY AUTOMOTIVE
Hypertherm is proud to announce hot rod / motorcycle fabricator, certified welder and renowned custom painter, JoAnn Bortles, as its national spokesperson. JoAnn will share a number of plasma cutting ideas in the coming months. In the meantime, watch our series of how-to videos for tips you can use when restoring cars. Watch now.

INTRODUCING OUR 2013 WEBINAR SERIES
Hypertherm experts offer a number of live educational webinars on a variety of metal cutting topics. Learn more about our complimentary webinars and register now.

SUCCESS STORIES

Not long after crossing the Canadian border, a modern steel structure comes into view. Though only a couple of stories tall, the dark gray building's sleek design and well maintained landscaping cause it to stand out. Once inside, corrugated metal on the building's exterior gives way to steel, lots of it. The steel isn't part of the building's architecture. Instead it is stacked on the ground waiting to be fabricated into beams and other components that will one day rise from the ground forming the frame work for hotels, schools, commercial buildings, community centers, sports complexes, and more.

Ask Jim

Q. Can wet cutting of aluminum cause combustible dust? What measures would you use? Also, do you know anything about cutting polyethylene/polypropylene on a CNC machine? Will this cause combustible dust and what measures would you use?

A. When you cut aluminum over a water bed (often called a water table) the small, resolidified particles of aluminum and aluminum oxide cool and sink to the bottom. Aluminum has a tendency to absorb oxygen from water, leaving just the hydrogen.

If you look closely at the water in a water table after cutting aluminum, you will see small bubbles rising and popping at the surface. These are hydrogen bubbles which under most conditions just dissipate into the surrounding air in very low volumes.

Hypertherm Innovations

It's been a busy start of the year for Hypertherm's engineering teams with not one, not two, but three new product introductions so far this year. Those products include a new CNC, new LongLife air and oxygen plasma cutting system, and a new 3 kilowatt fiber laser system. Read on to find out more about these new Hypertherm products.

Special Promotions

DOUBLE THE LIFE. DOUBLE THE PARTS.
Have you heard about Hypertherm's new CopperPlus electrode? This electrode, for customers using a Hypertherm Duramax torch, lasts twice as long as a regular electrode when cutting metal a half-inch thick or less. But you don't have to take our word for it. If you call us now at 800-643-0030 extension 2904, we will send you your very own electrode to try out.

On the Road

See us in action at one of the many regional and national shows we attend. It is a great opportunity to learn from our thermal cutting experts and get the answers you need to meet today's cutting challenges. A sampling of shows planned for this Winter and Spring includes:

- Western Farm Show in Missouri
- NASCC Steel Conference
- Hot Rod & Restoration Show
- Local 798 Open House in Tulsa

Find a show near you!