Company timeline

The company's flagship corporate and manufacturing facility opens at 21 Great Hollow Road.

Hypertherm develops underwater cutting technology, allowing plasma cutting to take place under 2 to 3 inches of water.

Hypertherm comes out with a new technique that involves using oxygen as the cutting gas and introducing water at the tip of the nozzle. This process called “Oxygen Injected Plasma Cutting” helps solve the problem of rapidly deteriorating electrodes and oxidizing metal encountered 20 years earlier.

Hypertherm sells its 1000th system.

Hypertherm designs and patents an underwater water muffler that increases cut quality and speed during underwater cutting.

Hypertherm unveils a blowback torch that eliminates high frequency arc starting.

Global expansion begins with the first subsidiary, Hypertherm Plasmatechnik GmbH in Maintal, Germany.

An air injected shield nozzle, developed by Hypertherm, is introduced to protect the nozzle during the metal piercing process

Another first for the plasma cutting industry as Hypertherm develops a plasma system that can successfully cut up to 4 1/2 inches of metal under 15 feet of water. This breakthrough helps the atomic power industry dismantle old power plants.

First Asian subsidiary opens in Singapore.

Hypertherm's commitment to always doing the right thing the right way is recognized by the coveted ISO 9001 certification.

Hypertherm introduces HyDefinition technology, a breakthrough that helps produce better quality cuts at faster speeds. At the same time, the company also comes out with a vented two-piece nozzle that stabilizes the plasma arc precisely in the center of the electrode. This consistency increases electrode and nozzle process life.

Hypertherm celebrates its 25th anniversary

Hypertherm develops coaxial assisted jet technology™. The new technology involves directing gas flow to the plasma arc using a common axel. This allows users to cut thicker metal at faster speeds.

Hypertherm unveils the Powermax600-which has gone on to become the best selling Powermax of all time.

Centricut brand of consumables and controllers acquired, established Hypertherm Automation.

Hypertherm  president Dick Couch is elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

The Powermax1000 and Powermax1250, Hypertherm’s first third generation plasma cutters are introduced. These two new systems incorporate innovative power-supply and torch technologies for dramatically improved performance.

First South American office opens in Brazil.

Our company is our people; our people are our company. Hypertherm becomes part-associate-owned in an Employee Stock Ownership Program; ranks #12 in Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For."

Patented SilverPlus electrodes are rolled out by Hypertherm. The electrodes use a silver tip to diffuse more heat during cutting. This results in electrodes that last up to three times longer than standard electrodes.

Hypertherm introduces the Powermax30, a highly portable plasma cutting system that weighs just 20 pounds. Although small, the Powermax30 lives up to Hypertherm's high performance standards with its ability to sever metal up to a half inch thick. The new Powermax also features a redesigned torch with a tapered front that makes it easier for operators to see and move the torch in hard to reach areas.

Hypertherm receives the Corporate Spirit of Service award for its commitment to volunteer service.

Part of our commitment to the future of American manufacturing, the Hypertherm Cutting Institute is launched as a public-private partnership for technical training of skilled machine operators.

Hypertherm celebrates 40 years of plasma innovation with the introduction of the Powermax45, a small and versatile single gas system capable of severing an inch of metal if needed. The company also unveils the industry’s first 400 amp HyPerformance system—the HPR400XD—and learns it is the recipient of the prestigious Trowbridge Award for Excellence in Community Service.

MTC software acquisition, leading the way to the launch of "integrated cutting solutions" and True Hole® (2009) and Rapid Part™ (2011) technologies.

ESSE A acquired, laser consumables business

Hypertherm introduces HyIntensity Fiber Laser, the first fiber laser system specifically optimized for cutting.

Two new Powermax systems, the Powermax65 and Powermax85, are introduced with innovations like Smart Sense™ technology to automatically adjust the gas pressure. Four new torch styles—including the industries first 15 degree torch—provide greater versatility.

A new 800 amp plasma system, the HyPerformance HPR800XD, with patent pending PowerPierce™ technology is unveiled. The system is distinguished by its ability to pierce 3” (75mm) and sever 6 1/4” (160mm) thick metal, while also cutting thin metal.

The ArcGlide® THC torch height control is introduced with technology that continuously samples and automatically adjusts arc voltage to account for consumable wear and variations in plate height. This allows consumables to reach their intended life expectancy and operators to cut twice as many parts in the same amount of time.