News

Hand-Held Power Tools Benefit from Power Electronics

December 22, 2014 by Power Pulse1595211359

Sophisticated sensors and power electronic controls are bringing new benefits and new features to hand-held power tools.The 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Drywall Screwdriver (XSF03M) from Makita is a good example of the features that are being enabled by advanced sensors and power electronics. The XSF03M is powered by the Makita 18V 4.0Ah battery for longer run time and the fastest charge time in the category, and is engineered to deliver the power and performance of corded drywall tools — without the hassles of a cord.

“Drywall contractors have long been connected to a cord due to run-time demands, but the power and run time of the new 18V LXT® drywall screwdriver will completely change the way the drywall business looks at cordless tools,” said Mario Lopez, Product Manager, Cordless Products, Makita USA. “With the XSF03M, drywall contractors get a cordless tool that can keep up with their high productivity standards.”

The new XSF03M is part of Makita’s expanding 18V Lithium-Ion series, which offers 80+ tools and is the world’s largest cordless tool line-up powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style battery. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

The XSF03M features new innovation that delivers unprecedented run-time and efficiency for drywall applications. With Makita’s exclusive Push Drive™ Technology, contractors can set the lock-on setting and the motor will start only when the fastener is engaged, saving battery power and reducing noise for a quieter work environment. In addition, the efficient BL™ Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge than similar non-brushless tools.

Electronic controls efficiently use battery energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application for increased power and speed when needed. And since there are no carbon brushes, the BLâ„¢ Brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life. For drywall contractors, the XSF03M is a cordless solution unlike any that the industry has ever seen.

“In internal testing, the XSF03M drove 1,800 1-1/2” screws into 1/2” drywall and 20 gauge steel stud on a single charge of the 18V 4.0Ah battery, with each screw taking an average of six seconds to fasten into the set position,” said Lopez. “This translates to about 40 sheets of drywall in an average work day, performance that no other cordless screwdriver in the industry can match.”

For added durability, the XSF03M has all-metal gears and gear housing for maximum job site durability. In addition, the screwdriver is equipped with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), a protective seal inside the tool engineered for improved dust resistance by channeling debris away from the tool’s key internal components. Ease-of-use features include a 3-stage L.E.D. gauge to indicate battery charge level, a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area. It has superior balance and weighs only 3.8 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue.

For improved tool performance and extended battery life, the XSF03M features Star Protection Computer Controls™. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating. For increased versatility, the tool can also be powered by Makita 18V LXT® and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries with the star symbol on the battery indicating Star Protection inside.

The XSF03M is part of new game-changing innovation for drywall contractors that also includes the new 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cut-Out Tool (XOC01M). Both tools are available in kits with the fast-charging 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah battery (BL1840). Both tools are also available in a new 2-piece combo kit, model XT255M. In addition, the 18V Drywall Screwdriver is available with the 18V LXT® Impact Driver (XDT04Z) in a new 2-piece combo kit, model XT256M.