Masonry Magazine March 2006 Page. 38
TECHNOLOGY
Expanding tool offerings and maximum power in a cordless design will change the way professionals accomplish their work.
ly powerful tools. At the lower end of the voltage spectrum, lithium-ion allows manufacturers to offer an impressive step up in power in the smallest package possible. At both ends, users now have the opportunity to select task-specific tools for particular applications, rather than only one tool for tasks large and small.
Most of today's drill/drivers far exceed the level of torque users need for common everyday tasks like driving fasteners, drilling pilot holes and more. But without a truly ultra-compact and powerful solution, most are forced to carry around heavier overpowered tools. Now, lithium-ion, ultra-compact drill/drivers that are barely the size of the average hand can accomplish the majority of the day's work. They will even fit into a tool pouch for storage or can take on unique configurations to fit in normally hard-to-reach areas.
And for situations where a heavy-duty tool is required, tools such as one-inch rotary hammers with chipping capability, band saws, reciprocating saws and more are now possible. Expanding tool offerings and maximum power in a cordless design will change the way professionals accomplish their work, wherever they are.
The Changing Marketplace
MANUFACTURERS and industry analysts do not anticipate lithium-ion will replace NiCad and other rechargeable batteries in the short-term. In fact, most manufactures continue to invest in research and development to bring more NiCad tools to the market each year, while continuing to expand the possibilities of new technologies.
Most professionals are still heavily invested in NiCad to run their businesses because it is a reliable and proven solution. But, as lithium-ion technology continues to develop, manufacturers are confident that professionals will be captivated by the power, runtime and weight benefits inherent in lithium-ion. Meanwhile, professionals now have a choice at all ends of the voltage spectrum; a proven 18-volt NiCad solution for standard applications and a quickly growing and expanding lithium-ion solution making smaller tasks more efficient at the lower voltage end (10.8 volts) and heavy-duty tasks possible with cordless technology at the higher end (36 volts).
Edwin Bender is product manager of the LITHEON cordless power tools line for Bosch Power Tools and Accessories.
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