The Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC rates 3.8 among up to 45 A plasma cutters; the Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC rates 3.5 among over 45 A ones. The Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC costs $1,390 less ($2,785 vs $4,175).
A professional 45 A cutter for fabrication shops and farms with a 240 V circuit that cut 5/8 in steel regularly. Pick it for long consumable life and easy setup, not low price.
Amazon $2,940 Welder Supply $2,785An industrial 65 A cutter for farms, trailer builders and shops that cut 3/4 in plate often. It is more machine than most home shops need.
Amazon $4,175Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
These two sit in different size classes (up to 45 A and over 45 A), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC | Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 20 $4,456 per inch of rated cut ($2,785, 5/8 in) | 12 $5,566.67 per inch of rated cut ($4,175, 3/4 in) |
| Cut 20% | 75 5/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 33 3/4 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 75 50% at full output (45 A) | 75 50% at full output (65 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 6-year warranty on the machine | 100 6-year warranty on the machine |
| Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC | Hypertherm Powermax 65 SYNC | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum output | 45 A | 65 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 3/4 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1 1/8 in | 1 1/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 50% at 45 A, 40 °C | 50% at 65 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 6.7 cfm, 90 psi | 7.5 cfm, 85 psi |
| CNC port | No | No |
| Weight | 31 lb | 61.7 lb |
| Warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
| Released | 2024-05-01 | 2022-01 |
