The air compressor will need to provide at least 6.0 CFM at 90-120 PSI.
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Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter with Multi-Voltage Plug, Inverter, 120/240V, 15/20/40 Amp Output, Model #500576

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- Dual-Voltage capability with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) allows you to connect to common 120 or 240V power receptacles without the use of any tools, simply choose the plug that fits the receptacle
- Clean cuts 5/8in. mild steel; severs steel up to 7/8in. thick
- 12ft. XT40R torch - designed for increased comfort with an ergonomic trigger safety, extremely flexible cables, more efficient cooling and economical replacement XT series cutting tips for long life
- Duty Cycles: 120 V (15A) 20A at 88 VDC, 60% duty cycle; 120 V (20A) 27A at 91 VDC, 35% duty cycle; 240V 40 A at 140 VDC, 60% duty cycle
- Pilot Arc Controller allows you to cut expanded/perforated metals, as well as painted or coated surfaces, without retriggering the torch
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Description
Key Specs
Reviews
Q & A
Accessories
Warranty
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Product Summary
What's Included
- (1) AirForce® 40i Plasma cutter (1) 12ft. XT40R hand-held torch (1) 12ft. work cable with clamp (1) Cable management (1) 10ft. power cord with 240V L6-30P twist lock plug and MVP2 Adapters (1) Extra consumables (2 tips, shield deflector, and electrode) (1) Easy-to-connect, built-in gas/air filter and regulator for extra protection
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Features + Benefits
- Dual-Voltage capability with MVP (Multi-Voltage Plug) allows you to connect to common 120 or 240V power receptacles without the use of any tools, simply choose the plug that fits the receptacle
- Clean cuts 5/8in. mild steel; severs steel up to 7/8in. thick
- 12ft. XT40R torch - designed for increased comfort with an ergonomic trigger safety, extremely flexible cables, more efficient cooling and economical replacement XT series cutting tips for long life
- Duty Cycles: 120 V (15A) 20A at 88 VDC, 60% duty cycle; 120 V (20A) 27A at 91 VDC, 35% duty cycle; 240V 40 A at 140 VDC, 60% duty cycle
- Pilot Arc Controller allows you to cut expanded/perforated metals, as well as painted or coated surfaces, without retriggering the torch
- Wind Tunnel Technology™ prevents abrasive dust and particles from damaging internal components
- Fan-On-Demand™ cooling system operates only when needed, reducing power consumption and contaminants drawn into the machine
- Power factor correction (PFC) circuitry draws up to 30% less amperage for the same cutting range as compared to the competition
- PFC expands operator's work area via extension cord, while minimizing nuisance circuit breaker trips caused by voltage drops
- LVC™ line voltage compensation provides peak performance power under variable input voltage conditions (±15%) for steady and cleaner-ending cuts
- Internal gas/air filter and regulator controls amount of usage and flow of air or gas
- Starts without high frequency, protecting the unit by not interfering with or damaging controls or computers
- Diagnostic LED lights for quick troubleshooting of pressure, power and cup situations
- Postflow cooling circuit extends life of consumables and torch by cooling them with postflow air after trigger is released
- Automatic gouging consumable detection adjusts gas pressure to optimize performance, eliminating the need for a manual regulator
- Compatible with engine-driven welders, offering complete cutting capability when powered by an engine-driven welder/generator with a 240V receptacle of 8 kW or more
- Hobart 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty -- 5-year warranty on transformers, stabilizers and main rectifiers; 3-year warranty on generators, PC boards and drive systems; 1-year warranty on guns (MIG, Plasma and TIG torches)
Key Specs
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
item# | 96173 |
Brand | Hobart |
Manufacturer's Warranty | 5 year limited warranty |
Ship Weight | 25.8 LB |
Volts | 120/240 |
Amps | 20 |
Cutting Thickness | 0.625 in |
Sever Thickness | 0.88 in |
Clamp Cable Length | 1 in |
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
Plasma Gas Flow | 4.8 cfm |
Max. PSI | 120 |
Duty Cycle | 50% At 40a |
Power Cord Length | 10 ft |
Pilot Arc | Yes |
Compressor Included | No |
Cart Included | No |
Product Weight | 21.0000 lb |
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) | 9.0 x 5.5 x 13.25 in |
Reviews
Questions & Answers
Questions
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· 6 years ago
What size and capacity air compressor that is required
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ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
Helpful?
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Manual SaysSO· 4 years ago
Per the manual, the new version (generation 2) requires 6.0cfm @ 90psi
Helpful?
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PRB15· 6 years ago
air compressor has to be 6.0SCFM at least 90psi
Helpful?
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· 2 months ago
What's the max cutting depth
1 answer-
ProductExpert6· 2 months ago
The maximum cutting capacity for mild steel for a clean cut is 5/8" on 240 volts. The maximum severance cut is 7/8" on 240 volts. On 120 volt it has a rated clean cut of approximately 1/4" to 3/8" with a maximum sever cut of 7/8".
Helpful?
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· 4 years ago
does this machine have a drag tip or does it need a stand off
1 answer-
ProductExpert29· 4 years ago
The torch will have a drag shield included.
Helpful?
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· 5 years ago
Can the 40i easily connect to a plasma cutting table
1 answer-
ProductExpert12· 5 years ago
This plasma cutter does not have any CNC set up options, so it would not mount to a plasma cutting table.
Helpful?
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· 5 years ago
What is the duty cycle on the highest setting? And how come the 27i doesn’t have a pile arc ???
1 answer-
ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
The duty cycle on the highest setting would be 50%.
Helpful?
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· 5 years ago
Is less air flow required to cut thinner steel?
1 answer-
ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
Per the manufacturer, less air flow is not required to cut thinner steel.
Helpful?
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· 5 years ago
what tips are needed for the xt40r torch
1 answer-
ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
The replacement tips are Hobart Model #770797. Northern Tool does not offer these tips.
Helpful?
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· 5 years ago
This cutter requires no gas cylinders right?
1 answer-
ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
This plasma cutter does not require any gas. It will require an external air compressor that can produce 6.0 CFM at 90-120 PSI.
Helpful?
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· 6 years ago
What is the thinest metal the 40I rated to cut, Does this require different tips
1 answer-
ProductExpert37· 3 years ago
Per the manufacturer, the thinnest metal would be thin steel that is 12 gauge. Different tips would not be required.
Helpful?
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Warranty
Manufacturer's Warranty
5 year limited warranty
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Specifications
120/240
Multi
115
20
30
12
0.625 in
0.375 in
0.125 in
0.88 in
0.63 in
0.25 in
1 in
1 in
1 in
4.8 cfm
5 cfm
0 cfm
120
90
0
50% At 40a
120 V (15a) 20a At 88 Vdc, 60% Duty Cycle; 120 V (20a) 27a At 92 Vdc, 35% Duty Cycle; 240v 30 A At 92 Vdc, 40% Duty Cycle
35% At 12a
10 ft
10 ft
6 ft
Yes
-
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
21.0000 lb
19.0000 lb
lb
9.0 x 5.5 x 13.25 in
9.0 x 5.5 x 13.25 in
8.0 x 13.0 x 10.0 in
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