AirForce 500i

Product catalog summary

Overview: The AirForce 500i is a portable air plasma cutter designed for cutting steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals. It operates on standard household voltages of 115 or 230 VAC using a Multi-Voltage Plug (MVP), making it versatile and convenient for various applications.

Specifications: The cutter offers a rated output of 27 A with 92 VDC at a 35% duty cycle and can operate on 240 V or 120 V power. It features a maximum open-circuit voltage of 400 VDC and requires a plasma gas flow of 3.0 CFM at 90-120 PSI. The unit dimensions are 11-1/4 in. x 8-1/4 in. x 14-1/4 in., and it weighs 27.8 lbs with the torch.

Features: Key features include dual-voltage capability, ergonomic design, efficient cooling, and power factor correction circuitry. The cutter is equipped with LED diagnostic lights, a postflow cooling circuit, and is compatible with engine-driven welders. It also includes a built-in gas/air filter and regulator for protection against contaminants.

Cutting Performance: The AirForce 500i can cut mild steel up to 5/8-inch thick and offers various cutting speeds depending on the material thickness and amperage. For example, at 27 amps, it can cut 16 ga steel at 192 IPM and 3/8 in. steel at 14 IPM. The recommended maximum piercing capacity is 3/16 in. for hand-held applications.

Accessories: The cutter comes with a 16.5-ft HP-50 hand-held torch, work cable with clamp, extra consumables, and a 10-ft power cord with MVP plugs. Additional accessories include a protective cover, in-line air filter kit, and various torch consumables available through Hobart Service Distributors.

Warranty: Hobart offers a five-year warranty on transformers, stabilizers, and generators, three years on electronics, and one year on guns (MIG and plasma torches).

Benefits: Plasma cutting with the AirForce 500i is faster and more precise than oxy-fuel cutting, with a smaller heat-affected zone and no need for gas pressure settings or preheating. It is certified by the Canadian Standards Association to both Canadian and U.S. standards.

Catalog excerpts

115/230V Portable Air Plasma Cutter 115/230 Volt eed to cut steel? Thinking about an oxy acetylene cutting torch to do the job? Consider a plasma cutter. This simple technology uses an electrical arc and compressed air to cut steel, aluminum, and other conductive metals. The AirForce 500i is powered by standard household voltage (115 or 230 VAC) using the MVP™ (multi-voltage plug) which allows no-tool voltage changes. It excels at cutting sheet metal and 3/8-inch mild steel, and can even sever 5/8-inch mild steel. The MVP plug and lightweight inverter power supply make this plasma cutter the most convenient, portable system available with a larger cutting capacity. #500548 Includes: 16.5-ft. (5 m) HP-50 hand-held torch 16.5-ft. (5 m) work cable with clamp Extra consumables (2 electrodes, 2 tips and 1 air fitting) 10-ft. (3 m) power cord with 5-15P (115 V, 15 A) and 6-50P (230 V, 50 A) MVP plugs Easy-to-connect, built-in gas/air filter and regulator for extra protection Compared to the complexities of an oxy fuel cutting torch system, plasma cutting is easy: Cuts faster than oxy fuel More precise cut, thinner kerf, less slag to clean up Smaller heat-affected zone for less warping No gas pressure settings or flame tuning needed No preheating of metal prior to cutting Dual-voltage capability with MVP™ (Multi-Voltage Plug) Allows you to connect to common 115 or 230 V power receptacles without the use of any tools — simply choose the plug that fits the receptacle. Designed for increased comfort with an ergonomic trigger safety, more efficient cooling and economical replacement cutting tips. Wind Tunnel Technology™ Prevents abrasive dust and particles from damaging internal components. 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 operators 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 Protects unit by not interfering with or damaging controls or computers. Diagnostic lights LED lights for quick troubleshooting of pressure, power and cup situations. Cable management strap Secures torch, work cable and power cord to make transporting easy and convenient. Postflow cooling circuit Extends life of consumables and torch by cooling them with postflow air after trigger is released. Compatible with engine-driven welders Complete cutting capability when powered by an engine-driven welder with a 240 V generator power outlet of 6 kW or more. Hobart’s 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty Five-year warranty on transformers, stabilizers and generators; three years on electronics (drive motors, rectifiers); and one year on guns (MIG and plasma torches).

Open the catalog to page 1

Specifications (SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.) Input Power Rated Output Amps Input at Rated Output, 50/60 Hz, 1-Phase 27 A with 92 VDC, 35% Duty Cycle 27 A with 92 VDC, 20% Duty Cycle 20 A with 88 VDC, 35% Duty Cycle Note: Recommended 30 A branch circuit for maximum performance. Performance on 20 A branch service may be limited due to breaker/line fuse. Reducing unit output amperage will minimize nuisance breaker/line fuse tripping. Certified by Canadian Standards Association to both the Canadian and U.S. Standards. Mild Steel Cutting Capability (THICKNESS TO SCALE.) Cutting at 27 Amps (115...

Open the catalog to page 2

Accessories The following accessories are available through Miller/Hobart Service Distributors. MVP™ Adapter Plugs In-Line Air Filter Replacement Element #228928 Includes 1 replacement filter for in-line filter #228926. #219258 For Power Cable 6-50P (230 V/50 A). Included with machine. Full KVA Plug Kit #119172 240 VAC, 50 amp plug (NEMA 14-50P) to fit full KVA receptacle with a minimum of 8 KVA generator power. #219261 For Power Cable 5-15P (115 V/15 A). Included with machine. #219259 For Power Cable 5-20P (115 V/20 A). Optional. Plastic Consumables Box with Compartments #127493 For storing...

Open the catalog to page 3