When selecting power tools, it’s important that your chosen unit can deliver the efficiency and precision needed for the task. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, explains how developments in battery technology can meet project demands and benefit professionals.
Battery power isn’t a new concept, but when it comes to power tools, leading manufacturers continue to develop this technology to provide professionals with an ever-increasing array of reliable and powerful solutions that, combined with innovations in power tool design, can provide the professional user with the battery power that offers a truly cordless job site.
Lithium-ion takes charge
The adoption of lithium-ion batteries has transformed the performance of cordless machines. One of the key advantages of using lithium-ion batteries is that they can hold high levels of energy, allowing for greater power and the ability to work for long periods of time without needing to be charged.
Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries don’t need to be drained down completely before charging and can be topped up at any time in their charge cycle. Unlike previous generations of cordless power tool battery, such as NiCad, lithium-ion doesn’t discharge if stored for an extended period, so users can ‘pick-up and go’ with confidence that the tool will perform when needed.
Makita has further refined its battery technology to optimise the charging process, to reduce charge times and protect the batteries from damage. Each of its battery chargers are designed to deliver the optimum charge every time by intelligently balancing the recharge across all cells, and are manufactured with a built-in central processing unit to enable the charger to analyse the battery condition.
This identifies any issues with the battery and the charger can then take action to rectify any problems – such as cooling the battery before charging takes place. In turn, users can benefit from excellent charge times and productivity gains.
For example, Makita’s 3.0Ah 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries can be charged in as little as 22 minutes or the 6.0Ah version charges in less than an hour, and its 2.5Ah 40VMax XGT battery can be charged in just 28 minutes.
Tool and battery communication
Sliding battery systems that feature multiple contact terminals help to ensure that the battery current remains stable, even under extreme work vibration conditions.
Users will also benefit from manufacturers that apply a holistic approach to product development, whereby the tool, battery and chargers are all designed and engineered to work together to ensure optimum performance and output.
For example, Makita’s tools are equipped with a tool/battery protection and communication system, which automatically stops the tool under conditions that may damage the life of the machine and battery, such as overload protection, thermal protection, and over-discharge protection.
Voltage to match the job
Thanks to the advances in battery technology, professionals can utilise quality cordless tools that can deliver performance that’s comparable to mains powered machines and the high levels of torque, speed and power required for high-demand, industrial applications.
What’s more, the ability to switch between jobs easily and quickly is made possible when working with a variety of cordless tools that are powered by the same battery system.
Makita offers over 270 cordless products all within its 18V and twin 18V(36V) LXT battery platform and over 40 models within its powerful 40VMax and twin 40V(80VMax) XGT battery platform. This means that professionals can ensure they use the right tool for the task and maximise their productivity and on-site efficiency.
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