Panasonic Tough Tool IP - Intelligent Power Tool Evolution
Panasonic have launched a new Power Tool innovation, the “Tough Tool IP” technology. This step forward provides a new level of toughness in the form of resistance to dust and water.
Panasonic is renowned for developing intelligent Power Tools to fill all the needs required by today’s professional user. All tools are developed to be a compact size with amazing performance. Panasonic’s Tough Tool IP range have been developed to offer a new level of toughness in the form of resistance to dust and water as recognized under international standards administered by the International Electro technical Commission (IEC).
The Tests place the tools in the toughest conditions imaginable. The tool is placed in an environment in which it is subjected to heavy dust or water and then checked to ensure it still continues to function properly.
13 Panasonic cordless Power Tools have passed this IP standard test administered by the International Electro technical Commission (IEC). They reached the level IP56 according to IEC60529, this rating classifies the tools as “Dust-protected” and “Protected against powerful water jets”.
To achieve this level, the components of the tools were specially adapted. The switches are treated with a special compound and in the Rotary Hammer an additional rubber cap ensures the switch is sealed against water and dust. The electronic circuits of the drills control panel and the battery packs are covered by a Urethane layer for maximum protection. Inside each battery pack each individual battery cell is sealed to avoid any intrusion of moisture.
Together with the Tough Tool IP Concept, a new 14.4V Drill Driver range will be launched in September 2010. The new EY7441 offers 2 versions: a market leading LZ-version with a high capacity 3.1Ah (3.3 Ah Typical) Li-Ion battery for extraordinary endurance and a LE-type with a 1.5Ah (1.65Ah Typical) Li-Ion battery to deliver compact power.
The EY7441LZ2S sets a benchmark in battery endurance. Driving up to 330 screws 6x60mm in soft wood, it achieves torque of 31.9Nm (soft joint) which means a diverse application range: fixing wood screws with diameter up to 6.8mm or drilling in wood up to 35mm diameter.
The EY7441LE2S, has been developed to offer a combination of light weight (1.5kg) and Compact length (193mm), this ensures ease of use, especially in tight areas or working overhead. A fully charged battery delivers enough power to drive up to 150 6x60mm screws, which is one of the highest endurances in the professional 14.4V Li-Ion compact class. Moreover, charging time is only 35min.
A third addition, the EY7940LZ2S will be launched in October with an additional percussion drill function. The EY7940LZ2S is a truly multi talented new addition, equipped with 3.1Ah (3.3Ah Typical) Li Ion battery which offers precise percussion drilling (up to 25.200 Beats per minute) into masonry, bricks or tiles. In Drill Driver Mode it still achieves torque of 31.9Nm, matching the same application range as the EY7441LZ2S.
All three of the new releases have an Overheat Protection System (OPS). This feature reduces the likelihood of any motor burn out by ensuring that when the tool is overloaded the motor is automatically stopped. When excessive high temperature is detected, a High Temp indicator light on the control panel lights up. If the same excessive load is continued to be applied the indicator flashes to warn the battery temperature is too high and power to the motor is automatically cut off. The control panel also informs the user when the battery is low and a LED light which allows working in dark areas by focusing on the point of the drill.
The Range has several Combination kits on offer, utilizing other Products from the Tough Tools IP Range.
New 14.4V Drill Driver family
Leading battery technology - The basis for our revolutionary performance are our Battery Packs which feature many unique developments such as Panasonic Solid Solution technology (PSS), a method in hardening and dissolving key battery component substances such as cobalt and nickel. This dramatically improves the safety and reliability while also achieving greater performance compared to manganese lithium batteries used by many of other manufacturers .Cobalt lithium chemistry benefits from a lower internal resistance, electrical loss, and heat in battery cells. This helps prolong the service life by reducing overheating. Tough Tools IP battery packs individually monitor each battery cell to ensure optimal control. Battery damage is avoided by preventing overcharging, over discharging and overheating.
Changes to Capacity indication from September - Due to many different methods used by manufacturers to indicate battery capacity in their market specifications, Panasonic has decided to contribute to simplifying this information by using the International Electro technical Commission (IEC) standards from September 2010 for the capacity measurement of batteries. This means, that all Panasonic capacity measurements will change from typical capacity measurement to rated capacity measurement. For example the capacity label of EY9L41B battery pack will change from 3.3Ah to 3.1Ah, for EY9L42B battery pack from 1.65Ah to 1.5Ah. In terms of performance the batteries will have in no way been changed.
