Hypertherm XPR170® Plasma Cutting System

The XPR170 delivers Hypertherm's X-Definition® cutting technology from very thin material up to mid-range thicknesses - 170 amps of precision plasma suited to general engineering, agricultural fabrication, structural steel work, and any operation regularly processing mild steel plate up to 40mm.
Hypertherm XPR 170 L

For shops where the XPR300 is more power than the work requires, the XPR170 delivers the same X-Definition® cut quality platform at a specification matched to the application.

Plazmax integrates the XPR170 as a power source option on both the CutAce and CutPro CNC plasma cutting systems. All Plazmax machines with the XPR170 are configured with the VWI (Vented Water Injection) console as standard.

Pierce Capacity and Cut Capacity

Pierce capacity determines whether your machine can initiate a cut mid-plate without edge starting - critical for nest cutting and processing full sheets. Cut capacity (severance) is the maximum thickness the system can cut through regardless of where the cut starts. For operations processing plate continuously from a nest, pierce capacity is the number that governs your process. For project-based or one-off fabrication where edge starting is acceptable, severance gives a better picture of the system's upper limit.

Mild Steel

Production pierce capacity (air shield): 35mm
Enhanced pierce capacity (argon assist - VWI/OptiMix): 40mm
Severance: 60mm

Stainless Steel

Pierce capacity: 22mm
Severance: 38mm

Aluminium

Pierce capacity: 25mm
Severance: 38mm

Cut Speeds

Mild Steel Cut Speeds - 170A (Above Water)
O₂ plasma / Air shield process. Production pierce capacity 35mm, enhanced pierce capacity 40mm with argon-assist (VWI console standard on Plazmax machines). Cut speeds sourced from Hypertherm IM 809830 Revision 8 (November 2025).
Thickness (mm) 6 10 12 15 20 25 32 40
Cut speed (mm/min) 5,080 3,461 3,061 2,277 1,575 1,175 752 462
Stainless Steel Cut Speeds - 170A, VWI Console (Above Water)
N₂ plasma / H₂O shield process - standard on Plazmax VWI console. Pierce capacity 22mm. Cut speeds sourced from Hypertherm IM 809830 Revision 8 (November 2025).
Thickness (mm) 10 12 15 20
Cut speed (mm/min) 1,975 1,735 1,375 978
Aluminium Cut Speeds - 170A, VWI Console (Above Water)
N₂ plasma / H₂O shield process - standard on Plazmax VWI console. Pierce capacity 25mm. Cut speeds sourced from Hypertherm IM 809830 Revision 8 (November 2025).
Thickness (mm) 10 12 15 20 25
Cut speed (mm/min) 1,994 1,834 1,502 978 778

X-Definition® Cut Quality

The XPR170 runs the same X-Definition® process as the XPR300 and XPR460 - tighter arc constriction, improved arc stability, and finer edge quality than previous-generation HyDefinition® systems. On mild steel in the 6-25mm range, the XPR170 delivers ISO 9013 Class 1 and 2 tolerances when paired with a precision CNC machine. On stainless steel, the VWI console's water injection shielding reduces the heat-affected zone and improves edge colour. For general fabrication shops that don't regularly process plate above 30-35mm, the XPR170 delivers the full X-Definition® quality advantage without over-specifying the power source

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Arc Response Technology®

The XPR170 includes Hypertherm's Arc Response Technology®, which continuously monitors the cutting process and automatically intervenes to protect the torch and consumables. Ramp-down error protection applies a controlled stop when the arc is over-stretched, preventing electrode blowouts. Automatic torch protection shuts down before catastrophic torch failure when the electrode approaches end-of-life. Both functions extend consumable life and reduce unplanned downtime - particularly important for smaller operations without a dedicated maintenance resource on site.

System Monitoring and Connectivity

The XPR170 includes built-in Wi-Fi and connectivity for remote system monitoring via a web interface. Diagnostic data is accessible without a technician on site, and the system provides specific troubleshooting codes to simplify maintenance and service prompts.

AS XPR SmartPhone

Available on Plazmax CNC Systems

The XPR170 is available as a power source option on both the Plazmax CutAce and Plazmax CutPro. All Plazmax machines are delivered with turnkey installation, operator training, and full NZ-based technical support. As the manufacturer, we commission the XPR170 integration and can support both the machine and the power source from a single point of contact in New Zealand.

XPR170 Consumables and Parts

As an authorised Hypertherm OEM Channel Partner, Plazmax supplies genuine XPR170 consumables and replacement parts. Consumables are process-specific, the correct combination of electrode, nozzle, shield, and retaining cap depends on the material and amperage being run. See our Consumables & Parts section or contact us for XPR170-specific consumable advice.

FAQs

The XPR170 is the right specification for fabrication shops that predominantly process mild steel in the 6-35mm range, with occasional work up to 40mm pierce capacity. It delivers the full X-Definition® cut quality platform, the same process technology as the XPR300, at a power output matched to mid-range thicknesses. If your operation regularly processes plate above 40mm or runs heavy bevel work on structural plate, the XPR300 is likely the better specification.
VWI (Vented Water Injection) is the standard console on all Plazmax machines configured with the XPR170. VWI enables argon-assist piercing for the 40mm enhanced pierce capacity on mild steel, and water injection shielding for improved stainless steel cut quality. OptiMix is available on request.
Yes. The XPR170 pierces stainless steel to 22mm and aluminium to 25mm. Severance capacity on both materials is 38mm. With the VWI console, stainless steel cut quality is significantly improved through water injection shielding.
Yes. Our NZ technical team can service and support XPR170 power sources regardless of the machine manufacturer. If you are running an XPR170 on a non-Plazmax machine and need service, consumables, or technical support in New Zealand, contact us directly.
The XPR170 and XPR300 run the same X-Definition® cutting platform and the same four console options. The practical differences are pierce capacity (40mm vs 50mm on mild steel), cut speed on thicker material, and severance capacity (60mm vs 80mm on mild steel). For operations where the work sits comfortably within the XPR170’s range, it is the right specification. For operations regularly cutting above 35mm, processing heavy structural plate, or running production bevel work on thicker material, the XPR300 is the more appropriate choice.

Hypertherm XPR

Mild Steel

Hypertherm XPR

Stainless Steel

Hypertherm XPR

Aluminium

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