It's All About the Operator
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| Dynabrade's RAPTOR VAC vacuum system is for the most adverse applications. |
Power tool makers bake in training, safety & comfort.
Staff Report
When it comes to power tools training, Dynabrade makes it real with its DynaVans, three road-show-style mobile vehicles that take product education across the East Coast, Central region, and West Coast. The vans are available to their industrial distributors as ideal, hands-on teaching aids at trade shows, open houses and customer training events.
“DynaVans have everything you need for an on-site Dynabrade demonstration,” said Andy Mandell, marketing manager. “We offer noobligation demonstrations on every product in our line. Try before you buy. By doing this, we work with the customer to determine the best tool, abrasives, and accessories to get the job done, which reduces production times and increases profit.”
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| Dynabrade's DynaVans mobile event vehicles have everything a distributor needs for an onsite demonstration. |
This includes:
- Expert Dynabrade staff
- Over 50 portable abrasive power tools
- Portable vacuums & downdraft table
- Related abrasives & accessories
- Tent for outdoor presentation
Trends in product development include vacuum tools for a dust free environment, says Mandell. “It is very important to capture contaminants at the source,” he added.
Robotic technology is another growing phenomenon. Dynabrade has developed a line of power tools for use with robotics. Its new air tools for use with automation systems include: random orbital sanders, finishing tools, grinders, disc sanders, and abrasive belt tools. In additional to air tools, the company offers accessories and abrasives for complete process solutions to help end users get the job done right.
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| Dynabrade manufactures air tools for use with robotics and automation systems. |
CUTTING LOOSE WITH CORDLESS
In the power tools segment, safety is one of the most important aspects manufacturers consider in tool design, according to Metabo HPT Senior Product Manager Chris Harris. The end-user is the backbone of this world. If that person is not working, we don’t have homes or offices or stores.
“We feel like comfort also plays a big role in safety,” he added. “If users are fatigued or uncomfortable, they are more likely to suffer an injury, so we have taken steps to make our users safer by moving more commonly pneumatic tools to cordless.”
With a pneumatic nailer, you not only have to work around the nails but also the hoses that cause a trip hazard and the noise of a compressor running all day long. Metabo HPT has removed the hose and compressor from the equation with its full line of cordless framing and finish nailers.
They said they’ve also made strides to improve the size and weight of their cordless nailers with the NT1850DFT 18-gauge 18V cordless brad nailer and the N1804DA 18-gauge 18V narrow crown stapler. These tools are 30% smaller and 31% lighter than the predecessor models. This makes the tool more comfortable and less fatiguing for the user.
The company also incorporates User Vibration Protection (UVP) technology in tools ranging from reciprocating saws to rotary hammers. This reduces the felt vibration and reduces vibration related injuries. It also applies Reactive Force Control (RFC ) technology in many of its drills. This is a technology that stops the motion of the drill in the event of the drill bit binding, thus helping to prevent hand and wrist injuries.
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| Metabo HPT has removed the hose and compressor from the equation with its full line of cordless framing and finish nailers. |
“These are a few of the things we as a company do to reduce the risk of injury and increase comfort on the jobsite,” said Harris. “We feel that we should do all we can to protect the ones who make so much possible every day.”
MECHANICAL PULSE TOOLS
Cordless and noise reduction show up again in Panasonic’s cordless assembly technology – the company recently introduced the AccuPulse QP Series line of cordless mechanical pulse tools that lower noise to improve the working environment.
Featuring an enlarged metal hammer with a lower pulse frequency and a highly durable split anvil shaft to reduce pulse noise and absorb vibrations, the AccuPulse QP Series lowers decibel levels by 10 dB and vibration by 75%.
Its compact, lightweight durable design offers reactionless operation and freedom of movement for greater production efficiency. The mechanical pulse tool also offers advanced fastening features with serial fastening capability increasing productivity while preventing accidental cross-threading and more work capacity per battery charge— approximately 1.5 times more than the previous version.
“Panasonic specifically designed the AccuPulse QP Series to limit workers’ exposure to high decibel levels and vibrations, and create a safer, quieter and healthier work environment,” said Aziz Lokhandwala, senior product manager for assembly tools at Panasonic Eco Systems North America. “The new mechanical pulse structure of the AccuPulse QP Series offers greater work capacity in a low maintenance tool and is eco-friendly, using less energy in comparison to pneumatic tools.”
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Panasonic's AccuPulse |
- Highly durable split anvil absorbs and reduces vibrations and noise
- Enlarged metal drive mechanism reduces pulse noise level and vibration due to lower pulse frequency
- 2-way wireless communication for advanced error proofing
- Eco-friendly, low maintenance, and energy efficient
- More work capacity per battery charge by improved mechanical pulse efficiency
- Two new models – the EYFLF1 features a torque shut-off range between 3 – 20 Nm; EYFLF2 ranges from 6- 35 Nm
PERFORMANCE TRIFECTA
Distributors now have another new tool up their proverbial sleeve: The Ingersoll Rand D5241 IQV20 Hammer Drill, the newest addition to the rapidly expanding battery platform, empowers professional automotive and industrial technicians with the most versatility and precision available on the market. Cordless freedom and flexibility are combined with the durability busy service shops and industrial environments expect from genuine Ingersoll Rand tools.
“Operators working in tight, awkward positions no longer have to sacrifice performance for versatility,” said Senior Global Product Manager of Power Tools David Dobersztyn. “We designed the Ingersoll Rand cordless hammer drill with advanced features to make uncomfortable work easier while delivering the quality that provides best-in-class performance, year after year.”
The Ingersoll Rand D5241 IQV20 Hammer Drill features drill, driver, and hammer drill modes to complete more tasks across numerous applications with a single cordless tool. Designed with a brushless motor that powers 1,100 inch-pounds of torque and optimum control. Technicians can get the precise torque level for drilling through wood, steel, or concrete by adjusting between high- and low-speed options. A half-inch, all-metal keyless chuck with carbide teeth eliminates bit slip while drilling through almost any material. The 24-position clutch allows fine-tuned fastening depth, eliminating cam-outs and over-torqued fasteners.
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| Ingersoll Rand's D5241 IQV20 Hammer Drill offers cordless freedom, flexibility and durability. |
The operator’s eyes are less strained as an LED light at the tool’s base reduces shadows and illuminates work areas.
Meanwhile, hand-numbing jobs are made smoother with the impact-resistant rubberized handle design, helping reduce kickback to keep hands steady and safe while also protecting the tool from damage. Technicians can gain a better grip on high-torque applications with a removable ergonomic auxiliary arm for extra stability. Low-maintenance and serviceable, the D5241 IQV20 Hammer Drill is sold individually or in a kit with two five-amp hour batteries and comes backed by a three-year warranty.
“With a five-amp hour battery in the kit, hardworking techs get twice the battery capacity to drill more holes on a single charge,” says Dobersztyn. “That capacity, combined with the versatility and price point, make the D5241 Hammer Drill one of the best values on the market.”
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2023 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2023, Direct Business Media.
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INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kimball Midwest. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Marks, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
