Shipbuilders gain insight on next-generation cutting approaches at technical symposium

Hypertherm Associates, a U.S.-based leading manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, recently welcomed shipbuilders for a dynamic exchange on the industry’s toughest challenges and the innovative multi-technology solutions shaping its future. The 2025 Shipbuilding Symposium was held at Hypertherm Associates headquarters in Hanover, New Hampshire. The event was attended by more than 16 representatives from shipbuilding manufacturers located across North America.

In 2025, more than $38 billion has been invested to build and repair defense, commercial, and leisure watercraft in North America. While cutting thick mild steel predominates in shipbuilding, the industry is increasingly introducing new materials like aluminum and stainless steel to meet fuel efficiency and emission regulations, for corrosion resistance, and to gain speed and detection advantages in defense operations. 

“With material trends in mind, as well as skilled labor shortages, safety concerns, and cost containment, shipbuilders are looking for new cutting methods,” says Aaron Brandt, President and CEO of Hypertherm Associates. “By bringing manufacturers together, we learned firsthand what challenges they face and introduced them to new technologies that provide tremendous advantages over older processes.”

Symposium attendees received an in-depth look into Hypertherm plasma cutting technologies, as well as information on OMAX abrasive waterjet systems, and BLM Group laser machines. The agenda included tours of Hypertherm Associates heavy industrial and light industrial factories, as well as presentations on key relevant products in both categories. Multiple workshops allowed those in attendance to experience the use of plasma cutting technology in applications common to shipbuilding, including gouging, cobot and robotic dome cutting.

Plasma, waterjet and laser cutting have become increasingly attractive to shipbuilders because the technologies can be used to cut a variety of materials, including mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel. In addition the cutting methods increase efficiency, decrease costs and improves workplace safety when compared to traditional oxyacetylene and carbon-arc technologies.

In the case of 12mm mild steel, for example, the Hypertherm plasma Powermax125 achieves cut speeds five times greater than oxyacetylene cutting without creating noxious fumes or combustible gases. Additionally, Powermax, XPR and MAXPRO200 plasma systems are ideal solutions for gouging.

For shipbuilders seeking efficieny and versatility, OMAX abrasive waterjets provide near-net cutting. With flexibility and productivity in mind, BLM GROUP provides tube and sheet metal machine solutions including tube lasers, 5-axis lasers, sheet lasers, press brakes, tube benders, wire benders, end-formers and cold saws.

Further, Hypertherm Associates provides advanced software and digital controls, intuitive consumable designs, and cobot integration for shipbuilders. Each are proven workforce enhancers because they allow current operators to upskill and diversify. Plus, advanced technology, especially robotic, is attractive to the next generation of manufacturing professionals. 

“Through ongoing dialogue, we learned what shipbuilding manufactures value most in their work and attendees left this event with a clear understanding that Hypertherm Associates provides a holistic approach to shipbuilding,” Brandt adds. “Whether they are repairing an existing structure or building a new ship, the array of plasma, waterjet, automation, laser and digital tools equip the industry with the safest, most advanced, and proven technology for high-quality shipbuilding.”