FACE TO FACE
THE PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLE
3D industrial cutting visualisation of Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet solutions .
André Rombouts , Hypertherm Associates ’ regional director for Europe , the Middle East , India and Africa , discussed the company ’ s ethos and achievements with ISMR , including the importance of its global partnerships .
Founded in 1968 , Hypertherm Associates is a 100 % Associate-owned company , employing approximately 2,000 Associates with operations and partner representation worldwide . Its story began over fifty years ago , in a small two-car garage , when Dick Couch and Bob Dean discovered a way to create a narrower plasma arc , capable of cutting metal more quickly and precisely .
Today , the U . S . - based manufacturer ’ s products include Hypertherm ( R ) plasma and OMAX ® waterjet systems , as well as CNCs , software and automated systems . These are used by companies around the world to build ships , aircraft and railcars ; construct steel buildings ; fabricate heavy equipment ; erect wind turbines and more .
At EuroBLECH in Hanover in October 2024 , the world ’ s largest trade exhibition for the sheet metal working industry , Hypertherm Associates ’ multi-technology booth delivered an immersive experience to visitors . More than just a showcase , its booth was designed as a dynamic digital experience . ISMR tried it by stepping into a giant XPR460 ® plasma system on the booth to experience multi-technology cutting solutions in virtual reality . Visitors at the exhibition were also guided to Hypertherm Associates ’ partner booths to see live cutting in action , ask questions and exchange ideas .
Below : Hypertherm Associates ’ interactive booth at EuroBLECH 2024 in Hanover , Germany .
Plasma cutting with Hypertherm XPR PlateSaver ( TM ) function .
Above : André Rombouts , Hypertherm Associates ’ regional director for Europe , the Middle East , India and Africa .
“ Hypertherm Associates innovated at EuroBLECH 2024 in Hanover , Germany , with an immersive multi-technology cutting booth experience for show visitors , customers and partners .”
52 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2024 / January 2025