To perform plasma cutting jobs in the industry, plasma cutters like Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics are great options.
However, a lot of things with these machines send people into a dilemma to figure out which one is better. Thermal Dynamics is undoubtedly a great plasma cutter but not as better as Hypertherm.
Hypertherm provides better torch life, comes with more duty cycles, doesn’t lead to less efficiency while working, and provides the finest and faster cuts for steel and other metals.
In contrast, Thermal Dynamics plasma cutters are more portable, cheaper, and have a better warranty but are not as powerful and speedy as Hypertherm cutters. If you are liable to choose after Hypertherm, you must go for Thermal Dynamics.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Characteristics | Hypertherm Plasma Cutter | Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutter |
| Portability and Weight | These are heavier to lift and comparatively fewer portable units | Portable and lightweight units as compared |
| Customer’s Recommendations for each Plasma Cutter | Extremely Higher | Standard |
| Duty Cycles | More | Less |
| Power and Cutting Speed | More Powerful and Provides Faster Cuts | Less Powerful and might be legging sometimes |
| Durability | Stronger and provides more working the tips | They are less durable, and their tips get consumed fastly |
| Working Efficiency | It will never give you any misfire, which increases your working efficiency | It often results in misfire above every 60 pierces or so, which decreases your working efficiency |
| Torch Quality | Excellent quality on the torch | It may not come as expected |
| Pricing | Usually, expensive units | Usually, cheaper units |
| Warranty | One year on the torch and two years on all other systems components | 4 years of warranty |
Key Differences Between Hypertherm And Thermal Dynamics Plasma Cutters
- Portability and Weight
Hypertherm cutters are supposed to be heavier and less portable when compared with Thermal Dynamics.
That’s because they are built with rigid components and ensured to have a better life period.
However, a base unit from TD, when compared with the base unit of HT, will be more portable and less heavy.
That’s because it may not have those solid-duty components. Yet, you won’t say that the product is bad or missing something.
It will perform according to your desires. However, Hypertherm is way better because of several reasons!
- Duty Cycles
While considering a plasma cutter, one must always remember to choose a machine that could provide more duty cycles.
Such a thing is ensured and comes with the Hypertherm Plasma cutter because it provides you with more duty cycles, resulting in longer working.
On the other hand, you’d find that the duty cycles with Thermal Dynamics cutter are not that long.
Yet, the machine performs according to many users’ desires, depending on your expectations!
- Power and Cutting Speed
The plasma cutters from HT usually come with a higher power, meaning they will consume more voltages.
But as a result, you can expect faster and more refined cuts because their efficiency will increase.
On the other hand, the power stays low with the TD cutters, and that’s why they may not provide you with a faster cutting experience.
- Durability
With Hypertherm, you’ll find their tips working for a longer duration. It means these units are durable and run for a reasonable period.
But it doesn’t mean the Thermal Dynamics cutter will stop working after a few months. No, not exactly.
They may not run as long as a Hypertherm cutter runs, and their tips may get consumed quickly.
You must accept that HT cutters are more durable when compared to TD cutters.
- Working Efficiency
The working efficiency with HT Cutters is also better than with TD cutters. That’s because they do not let you complain about misfires whenever you start the machine for operations.
However, such misfire complaints can be seen with the Thermal Dynamics cutters, which decreases work efficiency.
- Torch Quality
Compared to TD Cutters, the HT cutters have better torch quality that works longer. It is one of those significant reasons HT cutters are superior to TD cutters.
- Pricing
Comparing both plasma machines’ prices, the HT cutters are way more expensive than the TD cutters. It means you’ll have to have more budget if you are going to consider an HT plasma cutter.
- Warranty
Another difference between these cutters is the warranty offered to them. Thermal Dynamics cutters come with 4 years remarkable warranty for all parts.
At the same time, the HT cutters come with one year warranty for their torch and 2 years warranty for the remaining parts.
You may find this difference reasonable while making a choice.
- Customer’s Recommendations for Each Plasma Cutter
When you dig a little deeper, you can find that people lean more towards Hypertherm cutters because of their life expectancy and better performance.
These units have higher recommendations from several pre-loved customers.
At the same time, Thermal Dynamics cutters are also liked, yet, they are not highly recommended for newer purchases.
For you, the experience could be better with either of these depending on how you set up a machine and for what purposes you entitle it to use.
But Hypertherm will stay one step ahead in everything you consider in a plasma cutter.
So, Which One Is For My Plasma Cutting Jobs, HT Cutter or TD Cutter?
You can do as your mind pleases, but I’d highly recommend you go with the Hypertherm cutters. They are better with speed, power, reliability, durability, and other factors.
But if you have excellent prior experience using a Thermal Dynamics cutter, you may want to give it another try.
Of course, these are not bad, but they are not as superior as Hypertherm cutters!
Also Read: Differences Between OshCut And SendCutSend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Hypertherm Associates family is the parent company of Hypertherm plasma cutters.
Their excellent plasma cutting machines are designed and built in Hampshire, USA.
These cutters are also made in Hampshire, USA.
You may be able to work for 2 to 4 full days of actual arc on time before replacing any of the consumables related to Hypertherm!
Final Thoughts
Both companies are great at building reliable, advanced plasma cutters for everyone’s needs. But as the customers suggest or share their experiences, the comparison between Hypertherm and Thermal Dynamics plasma cutter only makes the HT a winner.
However, you may have different thoughts regarding your pre-owned Hypertherm cutter. You must accept that each cutter will give poor and extraordinary performances depending on how precisely you’ve changed its settings!
