Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter

Description

Working in unheated winter jobsite trailers demands clean plasma arc starts on contaminated structural steel. The Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter powers through 5/8in mild steel plate using a dedicated external compressed air source. The machine requires 4.8 CFM clean air at 90 PSI minimum, demanding an industrial twin-stage shop compressor.

A steel exterior skin treated with corrosion-resistant primer shields high-output inverter components. The unit draws 31 FLA across a 240V single-phase circuit, producing 40A of DC cutting force. Unboxed tool weight is 31 lbs, while chassis dimensions occupy an efficient bench stance measuring 13-3/4in high, 8-1/4in wide, and 18-1/2in long.

Key Features of Hobart AirForce 40i

Fabricators buy Hobart AirForce 40i systems to drop plate cutoff times in scrap processing and structural fabrication. Commercial pricing provides small enterprise manufacturing shops with an industrial metal cutting tool built for long work shifts.

• XT40R torch assembly uses long-life consumables that lower operating cost per foot of cut plate.
• Pilot arc controller transfers the cutting arc without torch contact, preserving copper nozzle tips.
• Internal gas pressure regulator balances line spikes to hold consistent 60 PSI plasma airflow.
• Severe gouging mode strips old welds and structural rivets from heavy truck frames rapidly.
• Continuous arc capability cuts expanded metal grates without trigger reset between open spaces.
• Wind Tunnel technology directs dirty intake air across heat sinks without contaminating electrical logic boards.
• Cable management straps secure the 12ft torch and ground lead for safe vehicle transit.
• Power switch lock guards against accidental machine starts in transport beds.

Air Pressure Drop and Cut Speed Verification

Bench evaluations prove rated severance cuts on 7/8in thick A36 plate at 6in per minute travel speeds. The cutting arc maintains 40A at 140V DC across a 50% duty cycle test block. Inlet pressure dropping below 85 PSI causes an immediate safety gas fault cutoff. Inverter bridge temperatures hold at 144°F under sustained 40A output. Dynamic decibel meters record 76 dB during continuous plate severing operations at 90 PSI.

Operator Control Dynamics and Shop Maintenance

The XT40R torch body features a thumb safety lever requiring 2 lbs downforce before trigger actuation. Do not buy this plasma cutter if your facility lacks an external air compressor supplying 5 CFM dry air.

• Drain the internal moisture separator bowl of water droplets every 4 hours of cutting time.
• Replace the plasma swirl ring when checking consumable sets every 20 hours of torch run time.
• Inspect the air regulator filter element for oil staining every 30 days of shop use.

Hobart Warranty Terms Included Accessories

Hobart covers the AirForce 40i with an industrial 3-Year factory warranty covering internal transformer components. Each packed crate supplies the power source, 12ft XT40R plasma torch, 10ft work cable with clamp, 240V power cord, spare electrodes, nozzles, and operating manual.