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Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
- $819.00
- Brands Hobart
- Product Code: 500576
- Availability: In Stock
Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma CutterThe Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter is a portable plasma cutting system designed for fast, precise cutting of electrically conductive metals. Its compact format and inverter-based power technology make it suitable for fabrication shops, maintenance work, automotive repair, construction, and general metalworking.With cutting capability for materials such as mild s..
Key Features of AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter
The Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter is a portable plasma cutting system designed for fast, precise cutting of electrically conductive metals. Its compact format and inverter-based power technology make it suitable for fabrication shops, maintenance work, automotive repair, construction, and general metalworking.
With cutting capability for materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, the AirForce 40i provides a versatile alternative to mechanical cutting methods. Its built-in air system helps simplify setup, while the machine's lightweight design makes it practical for moving between work areas.
Key Features
40-Amp Plasma Cutting System: Provides strong cutting performance for a broad range of conductive metals.
Inverter Technology: Delivers a compact and efficient power-source design.
Built-In Air Compressor: Eliminates the need for a separate external compressor for compatible cutting applications.
Portable Design: Easy to transport around workshops, jobsites, and maintenance areas.
Multiple Metal Compatibility: Designed to cut electrically conductive materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Pilot-Arc Cutting: Helps establish the cutting arc without requiring the electrode to make direct contact with the workpiece.
Adjustable Output: Allows the operator to match cutting power to the material and application.
Overload Protection: Helps protect the power source during demanding operating conditions.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hobart |
| Model | AirForce 40i |
| Product Type | Plasma Cutter |
| Maximum Cutting Output | 40 A |
| Cutting Process | Plasma Arc Cutting |
| Technology | Inverter |
| Air System | Built-In Air Compressor |
| Compatible Materials | Electrically Conductive Metals |
| Typical Materials | Mild Steel, Stainless Steel & Aluminum |
| Primary Applications | Fabrication, Maintenance, Automotive & Construction |
| Design | Portable Plasma Cutting System |
Specification note: Exact input voltage, rated output, duty cycle, recommended cutting capacity, maximum severance capacity, dimensions, weight, amperage range, air requirements, and included accessories can vary by model revision or regional configuration. Verify the exact Hobart part number and current manufacturer's documentation for final specifications.
40-Amp Plasma Cutting
The AirForce 40i provides up to 40 amps of plasma cutting output, giving it the capacity to handle a wide variety of common metal-cutting tasks.
Plasma cutting works by creating a high-temperature plasma arc that melts the workpiece while a high-velocity gas stream blows the molten material away from the cut. This allows operators to make relatively fast cuts without the mechanical contact required by saws or shears.
Actual cutting performance depends on material type, thickness, electrical supply, consumable condition, cutting speed, and operator technique.
Built-In Air Compressor
One of the AirForce 40i's practical features is its integrated air-compressor system. This can simplify equipment setup by reducing dependence on a separate shop compressor for compatible cutting applications.
The integrated compressor is particularly useful for mobile work, maintenance tasks, and locations where an external compressed-air system is inconvenient.
For best results, keep the air system and consumables maintained according to Hobart's recommendations.
Plasma Cutting Process
Plasma cutting is suitable for electrically conductive materials. The process uses an electrical arc and compressed air or another compatible plasma gas to generate a concentrated cutting stream.
Compared with many conventional cutting methods, plasma can offer:
Fast cutting speeds
Narrower kerfs
Minimal mechanical contact
Easy piercing of suitable materials
Ability to follow curved or irregular cut lines
Reduced setup compared with some oxy-fuel systems
The operator should select the appropriate cutting speed and output for the material thickness.
Compatible Materials
The AirForce 40i can be used for cutting many electrically conductive metals, including:
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Other compatible conductive metals
Material thickness and cutting quality depend on the machine's rated capacity and operating conditions.
For thick material, slower cutting speeds may be necessary. For thinner material, reducing the output and maintaining an appropriate travel speed can help produce a cleaner cut.
Pilot-Arc Operation
The plasma cutter's pilot-arc system helps establish the cutting arc without requiring the torch to remain in direct electrical contact with the workpiece.
This can be particularly useful when cutting expanded metal, painted surfaces, or irregular material where maintaining continuous contact would be inconvenient.
Proper torch height and cutting technique remain important for obtaining clean results.
Cutting Quality
Several factors influence plasma-cut quality:
Material type
Material thickness
Cutting amperage
Travel speed
Torch height
Air quality
Consumable condition
Workpiece cleanliness
Moving too slowly can produce excessive slag, while moving too quickly may result in incomplete penetration. A clean workpiece and properly maintained torch consumables also contribute to better cut quality.
Typical Applications
The Hobart AirForce 40i is suitable for:
Metal fabrication
Automotive repair
HVAC and sheet-metal work
Equipment maintenance
Construction
Farm equipment repair
General workshop cutting
Custom metal projects
Repair and modification work
Benefits
40A maximum output provides useful cutting capacity for many fabrication tasks.
Integrated air compressor can simplify setup and improve portability.
Inverter design contributes to a compact power source.
Pilot-arc operation helps with starting cuts on suitable materials.
Multi-metal capability allows cutting of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals.
Portable format makes the cutter suitable for workshops and field-service applications.
Fast cutting process can save time compared with some conventional mechanical cutting methods.
Torch and Consumables
The plasma torch relies on consumable components that wear during normal operation. Depending on the torch configuration, these may include the electrode, nozzle, retaining components, and related consumables.
Inspect consumables regularly for:
Excessive wear
Enlarged or damaged orifices
Cracking
Excessive pitting
Poor arc performance
Replacing worn consumables helps maintain arc stability and cut quality.
Air Quality and Maintenance
Clean, dry air is important for reliable plasma cutting. Moisture, oil, or contamination in the air stream can shorten consumable life and negatively affect cutting performance.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for air filtration and compressor maintenance. When using the built-in compressor, keep its ventilation areas unobstructed and maintain the machine according to the prescribed service schedule.
Cutting Setup
Before starting a cutting job:
Inspect the plasma torch and consumables.
Verify the electrical supply meets the machine's requirements.
Ensure the air system is ready for operation.
Connect the work clamp securely to clean metal.
Select the appropriate cutting amperage.
Mark the intended cut line.
Position the torch correctly.
Start the arc and maintain the recommended travel speed.
Inspect the cut and adjust technique as necessary.
For production work, perform a test cut on scrap material before cutting the final workpiece.
Safety Information
Plasma cutting produces intense heat, ultraviolet radiation, sparks, molten metal, fumes, and electrical hazards. Wear an appropriate face shield or plasma-cutting helmet, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, safety footwear, and hearing protection as required.
Provide adequate ventilation or suitable fume extraction, particularly when cutting painted, coated, galvanized, or otherwise treated metals. Keep combustible materials away from the cutting area and establish appropriate fire-prevention measures.
Never operate the plasma cutter in conditions that exceed the manufacturer's electrical, environmental, or operating specifications.
Who Is It For?
The Hobart AirForce 40i Plasma Cutter is a practical choice for fabricators, mechanics, maintenance technicians, contractors, farmers, and serious DIY users who need a portable plasma cutting solution. Its 40-amp output, integrated air compressor, and ability to cut multiple conductive metals make it well suited to repair, fabrication, and general metalworking applications.
Always consult the current Hobart owner's manual and official product documentation for exact electrical requirements, cutting and severance ratings, duty-cycle specifications, air requirements, consumable part numbers, dimensions, weight, and operating limitations.