Hypertherm, Hanover, New Hampshire, recently announced three new air plasma systems called Powermax SYNC^™. The new systems feature built-in intelligence and a single-piece cartridge consumable. Powermax SYNC and its SmartSYNC^™ torch replaces the traditional five-piece consumable stack-up with a single color-coded cartridge. Technology embedded in each cartridge automatically sets the correct amperage, air pressure and operating mode and lets operators know when a new cartridge is needed. Additionally, controls on the SmartSYNC torch allow operators to adjust the amperage and change the cartridge without returning to the power supply. The cartridge is manufactured as a single piece so everything within it is perfectly aligned and optimized. As a result, the Hypertherm cartridge for Powermax^® systems will last up to twice as long and deliver cleaner cuts. The cartridge can even track data, like starts and arc-on time, to identify trends and make a user’s operation more efficient. In keeping with Hypertherm’s commitment to offer technology updates to owners of its older plasma systems, Hypertherm engineers have developed an adapter for Duramax^® and Duramax Lock torches. This will enable owners of the Powermax45 XP and Powermax65/85/105 to enjoy some benefits of the cartridge consumable platform, such as faster change-outs, easier ordering and inventory tracking, longer life and improved cut quality. bFor more information, visit www.hypertherm.com.