Li-ion battery technology is taking the world by storm. Offering advantages such as high energy density, protection from overload, overheating, and deep discharge, and a lower memory effect, these energy storage systems are an ideal solution for professional electric metal processing tools. In line with this trend, TRUMPF is expanding its TruTool portfolio of battery-powered tools. Alongside its conventional 10.8 V products, the company is now offering eight new, more powerful solutions with 18 V batteries. In the future, this level of power will facilitate the cutting of sheets as thick as 2 to 2.5 mm using cordless tools. The following products will be available with the new batteries: the C 250 slitting shears with chip clipper, the S 250 shears, the N 200 nibbler, and the PN 200 and PN 201 profile nibblers. In addition, the F 300 and F 301 seam lockers will be equipped with 18 V battery technology for the first time. Rounding off the 18 V portfolio is the TF 350 power fastener.   Generally, all of the metal cutting tools operate with the same working resistance. This results in minimal strain on the battery and exceptionally long runtimes, especially when used in combination with the brushless motor and Power-Head technology. The Li-ion technology also gives the batteries a low self-discharge rate, which means they retain their charge, even after months of being idle. Dr. Axel Erber, head of International Sales Power Tools, highlights another advantage: “We fit our new 18 V tools with robust 2 Ah or 4 Ah batteries, sizes perfectly suited to the constantly high power drain. This way, we strike the optimum balance between operational power and runtime. Thanks to the microprocessor-controlled voltage monitor in the TRUMPF charging unit, the 18 V Li-ion batteries can be connected to the charger at any time – regardless of their level of charge – without causing damage to the cells. New: brushless motors In a first for the company, TRUMPF’s 18 V power tools feature a brushless motor that provides contactless drive with almost no wear. Consequently, they require very little maintenance and have an extremely long service life. Another advantage of brushless motors is their compact and lightweight design. Moreover, they deliver increased efficiency and higher torque than conventional motors with carbon brushes running on direct current. As a result, the power tools deliver superior operational performance. To prevent the high torque from causing a rough cut at the start, the developers have integrated a soft start feature that facilitates ergonomic operation and is gentle on the motor. This, in turn, helps to extend the motor’s service life. Like their 10.8 V counterparts, the 18 V tools are equipped with TRUMPF Power-Head technology: a battery-optimized aluminum gear head tailored to the low voltage of the battery technology. The key factor here is that the developers decoupled the motor pinion from the motor to minimize power loss. This means TRUMPF’s 18 V power tools can achieve an operational performance that would otherwise be possible only with considerably more expensive and bulky 28 V batteries.

New: brushless motors
In a first for the company, TRUMPF’s 18 V power tools feature a brushless motor that provides contactless drive with almost no wear. Consequently, they require very little maintenance and have an extremely long service life. Another advantage of brushless motors is their compact and lightweight design. Moreover, they deliver increased efficiency and higher torque than conventional motors with carbon brushes running on direct current. As a result, the power tools deliver superior operational performance. To prevent the high torque from causing a rough cut at the start, the developers have integrated a soft start feature that facilitates ergonomic operation and is gentle on the motor. This, in turn, helps to extend the motor’s service life. Like their 10.8 V counterparts, the 18 V tools are equipped with TRUMPF Power-Head technology: a battery-optimized aluminum gear head tailored to the low voltage of the battery technology. The key factor here is that the developers decoupled the motor pinion from the motor to minimize power loss. This means TRUMPF’s 18 V power tools can achieve an operational performance that would otherwise be possible only with considerably more expensive and bulky 28 V batteries.

User friendly and ergonomic
TRUMPF's new battery powered power tools with 18 V li-ion technology are also state of the art from an ergonomic perspective. With their compact, lightweight design, and thanks to the soft-grip motor housing and optimum weight distribution, they are extremely comfortable to hold, allowing operators to work in maximum comfort and with minimal effort. Safe operation is ensured by features such as the integrated restart lock, which prevents the tool from automatically starting up again following a power failure. Before it can restart, the operator must press the “on” switch again. A further highlight is the integrated speed controller that allows the cutting speed to be adjusted as required. Erber adds: “When operators need to follow specific cutting lines, they can simply reduce the operating speed accordingly. For simple cuts, on the other hand, they can crank it up.” Just like TRUMPF’s cordless power tools with 10.8 V Li-ion battery technology, on the market since late 2014, the company is also offering all 18 V Li-ion tools as standalone machines. The product itself, delivered in the usual TRUMPF box, is identical; the only difference is that the battery and charger are not included, reducing the cost of the purchase. This option is particularly appealing to operators looking into buying multiple 18 V battery-powered tools not intended for use all at the same time.