The Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC rates 3.8 among up to 45 A plasma cutters; the PrimeWeld CUT50DP rates 3.6 among over 45 A ones. The PrimeWeld CUT50DP costs $2,386 less ($399 vs $2,785).
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 $2,785For a hobby or farm shop that wants a cheap dual voltage cutter with a pilot arc for 1/2 in steel and below. Look elsewhere if it will run on a CNC table.
Amazon $399Prices 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 | PrimeWeld CUT50DP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 20 $4,456 per inch of rated cut ($2,785, 5/8 in) | 75 $845.34 per inch of rated cut ($399, 0.472 in) |
| Cut 20% | 75 5/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 0 0.472 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 75 50% at full output (45 A) | 100 60% at full output (50 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 6-year warranty on the machine | 50 3-year warranty on the machine |
| Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC | PrimeWeld CUT50DP | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 45 A | 50 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 0.472 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1 1/8 in | 0.63 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 50% at 45 A, 40 °C | 60% at 50 A, 25 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Arc start | - | High frequency |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 6.7 cfm, 90 psi | 5 cfm, 75 psi |
| CNC port | No | - |
| Weight | 31 lb | 24 lb |
| Warranty | 6 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2024-05-01 | - |
