Masonry Magazine August 2006 Page. 32
D・R・T・L・L・S
months, whereas NiCad and NiMH lose up to 25 percent of their charge in a one month period."
While Li-Ion isn't a cure-all, it has become the starting point for a variety of new products. Still, there are trade-offs. As Bender from Bosch stated, "Typically, with the state of lithium ion technology today and what we're trying to accomplish, we have to compromise. Yes, Li-Ion is lighter in general because of the density of the cells, so what all the manufacturers did was say, How much power can I pack in now that I'm using lithium ion and maintain that 18-volt kind of weight?" If you were to make an 18-volt Li-Ion, versus an 18-volt NiCad, it would be lighter weight, but generally what you're seeing is that most companies are going to a higher voltage."
For example, 24-volt rotary products doesn't sell that well, even though 24 volts allows you to be a little more productive than an 18-volt unit; it's not enough of an increase in productivity for the weight penalty and the cost you have to pay. "How lithium ion changes the game is that it allows you to get much more productivity, more power and run time, but you don't pay a weight penalty," Bender said.
Weak at 18? Try 28!
At least one major supplier is moving in another direction. Milwaukee Electric Tool, Brookfield, Wis., has higher voltage tools. John Sara, senior product manager for Milwaukee, explained, "Our new V28 rotary hammer drill, using 28-volt Li-Ion batteries, can drill over 207/8-inch holes on a single battery charge. The tool also features a rotation stop option for light chiseling work. The increases in power have been helpful for driving Tapcon's and drilling holes in metal and wood for forms. In regards to our batteries, our V28 and upcoming V18 Li-Ion batteries come with a five-year warranty. Before our Li-Ion introduction, the tools typically outlived the batteries. Now with our V series batteries (V28 & V18), the packs are starting to living up to the reputation of our tools. Milwaukee and other manufacturer web sites list 'Battery Best Practices' to help users optimize battery life."
What's next? Most manufacturers won't say - competitive secrecy and all that, you know. What we were able to find out sounds like more of the same, only better. "Just like NiCad progressed over time from 9.6 to 18 volts, and the amp hours in the batteries increased from 1.2 to 2.4, recalled Bender, "I think you're going to see the Li-Ion cells becoming better in
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August 2006
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