Hanover, N.H.-based Hypertherm was recognized for its plasma research led by Hypertherm associate Sung Je Kim, Ph.D.

The research, “Control Of Fluid Dynamic Instability In Oxygen Plasma Arc Cutting,” published in a scientific journal, was part of Kim’s doctorate work at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Kim, with support from Hypertherm engineers Jon Lindsay and John Peters, along with University of Minnesota Professor Joachim Heberlein, spent more than three years studying fluid dynamics during plasma cutting. He discovered the fluids were often unstable causing poor cutting. He then worked on technology to make the fluids more stable and improve cut quality.

Kim’s was one of 17 papers selected by the International Organizing Committee of this year’s International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry. The ISPC is a biannual international conference focused on topics that encompass plasma chemistry and plasma processing science. Top plasma experts from around the world gather to present recent progress in plasma chemistry and its applications.

Kim continues to apply his work at Hypertherm, where he is helping to design the next generation of Powermax cutting and gouging systems. He is one of nearly 100 engineering associates dedicated to research and development at Hypertherm.

“Hypertherm is committed to advancing plasma cutting and is always looking for ways to improve the performance and reliability of our plasma systems,” said Mike Shipulski, Hypertherm’s director of engineering. “Efforts such as those by Sung Je Kim and dozens of our other plasma experts are critical to the continued innovation of our products.”

Hypertherm has funded research at the University of Minnesota for more than a decade and now employs several former students who received doctorate degrees at the school.