X-Definition plasma constitutes Hypertherm’s (Hanover, NH) most advanced mechanized plasma cut quality on mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. X-Definition cut quality is available on Hypertherm’s XPR series. These advances are due to an array of new process technologies that build upon the CNC high definition plasma cutting machines.
HyFlow vortex or vented nozzle technology consists of a unique two-piece vented nozzle design that aligns and focuses the plasma arc for increased arc stability and energy density, resulting in a cleaner, sharper, more consistent edge quality on all steel. Cool nozzle (see below) is a patent pending feature on the 300-amp oxygen process in which liquid cooling is sent directly to the nozzle bore, increasing cut quality over the life of the consumables by more than 40%.

Plasma dampening is patent pending technology that adds a chamber in the nozzle to absorb the pressure and flow fluctuations that create arc instability during cutting with lower current, highly constricted arcs required for thin stainless applications. This eliminates wavy and irregular cut surfaces.
Vented water injection is a patent pending process featuring a vented N2 plasma gas and H2O shield gas for less angularity and squarer cut edges on stainless steel and especially on aluminum. Vent-to-shield technology reclaims hydrogen from the vented plasma gas and mixes it with the shield gas to further reduce angularity and deliver more consistent edge color on stainless steel up to 12 mm.
Advanced arc stability modifies impingement of the shield gas for improved arc stability when coming out of a pierce hole or out of an acute angle for reduced lead-in lengths and improved cut quality. Arc response technology senses what is happening with the plasma arc and automatically intervenes to reduce the impact of an electrode blowout and possible torch failure. This feature can also sense when the arc is about to terminate in an uncontrolled manner.
Quantifiably, ISO 9001 measures a cut edge’s deviation from perpendicular and encompasses 5 ranges, with 1 having the least deviation from perpendicular and 5 having the greatest. This blend of technological advancements allows X-Definition plasma to produce ISO range 2 and 3 on mild steel compared to conventional plasma, which is primarily an ISO range 4 and 5, and high-definition plasma, which is primarily a range 3 and 4.
When cutting at 130 amps or higher on thicker materials, defined as anything greater than 12 mm or 0.5 inches, up to its maximum production thickness, X-Definition cutting is capable of range 3 cuts for most of the life of a consumable set (see comparison below).

XPR refers to the series in which X-Definition plasma cut-quality is provided, and HPR refers to previous high definition cutting.
When cutting thinner materials as defined as anything less than 10 mm or 0.375 inches, X-Definition cutting is heavily oriented to ISO range 2 quality (see comparison below).

For more information on X-Definition cut quality: https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/resources/articles/newest-plasma-technology/
For more information on Hypertherm’s XPR series:
https://www.hypertherm.com/en-US/solutions/about-our-products/xpr-plasma-cutting-systems/