Duramax torch increases speed and safety for scrap yard

Company overview: Scrapyard

From both an environmental and economic standpoint, recycling metal is extremely effective. Metals such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper can be recycled an infinite number of times because their metallic properties do not deteriorate with repeated melting and casting. Before metal can be reused, it must be collected and made ready for recycling – often by cutting larger pieces into smaller parts.

One scrap yard sometimes works with large and unwieldy workpieces that require cutting in places that are difficult to reach.

Challenge: Hand torches expose operators to heat, and require awkward positions to cut

The scrap yard was using several older Powermax1650^® plasma systems to cut up scrap. While the cutting process itself was fast and efficient, the standard hand torches operators used with the plasma systems exposed operators to high heat and did not allow operators to access hard-to-reach locations on some workpieces. As a result, operators sometimes had to work from ladders or in an awkward squatting position.

Solution: Powermax125 with Duramax Hyamp Long torch increases speed and safety

Upgrading to the Powermax125^® and Duramax^® Hyamp™ Long torch allowed operators to complete the same work safer and 50% faster because they could access hard-to-reach locations without climbing, bending over, or squatting.

The Powermax125 plasma cutter

Delivering maximum power and performance for air plasma, the Powermax125 plasma system cuts thick metals fast. The system makes short work of the toughest cutting and gouging jobs and offers a 100% duty cycle, a 25 mm (1 inch) mechanized pierce capability, and fast gouging metal removal. Eleven Duramax Hyamp torch styles provide versatility for hand cutting, portable automation, X-Y table cutting, extended reach cutting, and robotic cutting and gouging.

Benefits of the Powermax125 include:

• Operators finish jobs faster with cut speeds five times greater than oxyfuel on 12 mm (½ inch) mild steel.

• Superior cut and gouge quality ensure operators spend less time on grinding and edge preparation.

• 100% duty cycle maximizes cutting time.

• Multiple, easy-to-use torch styles let operators tackle a wide variety of jobs using the same system.

• Operators do not need to manually change the air pressure because the Powermax’s Smart Sense™ technology ensures that air pressure is always correctly set.

• SpringStart™ technology ensures consistent starting and a more reliable torch.

• Operators can drag cut at full output with a patented shield that reduces dross buildup for smoother cutting.

• Consumable life is up to four times longer than other systems in this amperage range.

• Electrode end-of-life detection protects the torch and workpiece from damage by automatically stopping power when the electrode is overused.

The Duramax Hyamp Long torch

Designed for durability and reliability, Duramax Hyamp torches are built to handle the full 125-amp output of the Powermax125 plasma cutting system and are compatible with use on lower amp Powermax^® systems. Duramax Hyamp torches are available for handheld and machine cutting and gouging, as well as robotic cutting.

Duramax Hyamp Long torches are available in .6 m (2’), 1.2 m (4’), and 1.83 m (6’) lengths, providing extra reach and durability for heavy-duty applications like scrapping, plate skeleton removal from cutting tables, and infrastructure repair or reconstruction. They are also available with an extensive array of specialty consumable options that perform a variety of applications, such as gouging, fine feature cutting, extended reach cutting, precision gouging, flush cutting, and marking. The 1.2 m (4’) and 1.83 m (6’) long torches include an adjustable position auxiliary handle.

Every scrap yard can benefit from having a long torch. The portability of Powermax plasma systems makes it possible to demolish large-scale depreciated machinery out in the yard, allowing for larger, more lucrative trades with mills. The Duramax Hyamp Long torch is better than a shear at making long cuts. It also frees up shears to cut the smaller pieces into dimensions required by steel mills, making the shears more productive as well.

Structural steel companies tearing down buildings and other facilities, like decommissioned nuclear plants or sports stadiums, use multiple long torches to speed up jobs. Completing the job faster saves on labor costs and helps the companies earn their contractual performance incentives. 

The Duramax Hyamp Long torch is safer to use in many applications. It’s ergonomic, allowing operators to work in comfortable positions. The length of the torch body and the angle of the cutting head let operators stand upright while still gaining the accessibility they need. Operators avoid back pain caused by bending over, and they can stand beside CNC tables rather than on top of the cutting bed. The long torch also creates more distance, allowing operators to stand further away from the torch’s heat. 

Plasma is faster than oxyfuel, and switching to the Duramax Hyamp Long torch lets operators do the same job in a third to a quarter of the time. In fact, existing Duramax Hyamp Long torch customers report skeleton removal from heavy industrial CNC beds is so fast that jobs that previously took an hour can now be finished in under 20 minutes.

Business impact: Hypertherm delivers increased worker speed and safety

The Duramax Hyamp Long torch’s ergonomic design helps operators avoid back pain, improving operator comfort and performance. Operators complete the same work 50% faster because they can access hard-to-reach locations without climbing, bending over, or squatting.

The torch also makes cutting safer by letting the operator stand further away from the cut, minimizing heat exposure and reducing the risk of getting hit by a falling piece of scrap.

Learn how the Duramax Hyamp Long torch can help your business increase efficiency while improving worker safety. Click the button below, fill out the form, and a Hypertherm product expert will contact you.