Bosch - History of Innovations

From the beginning Bosch engineers and technicians not only built tools, but also developed visions and translated them into a reality.

Technological Pioneers

1932 - Bosch produced the first electric rotary hammer. Subsequent introductions included the lightest 2 Kg. rotary hammer in the world (1981) and SDS-Max®; bit holding system (1990) for quick, easy hammer bit changes.

1946 - When a Bosch employee installed a blade on his wife's sewing machine almost half a century ago, the idea for a jig saw was born. The very first portable jig saw was introduced in 1947. Today, Bosch still enjoys the premier worldwide reputation for this tool.

1997-1998 - The revolutionary 1617-1618 fixed-base routers were launched in 1997, and the first power hand saw system with flush cutting (Finecut) came out in 1998.

2002 - The first cordless drill/drivers engineered to survive multiple drops from more than one-story (10-ft) onto solid concrete were launched in 2002. The Bosch Brute-Tough™ cordless drill/drivers changed perspectives on how long cordless tools should last.

2003 - The first 12-inch sliding compound dual-bevel miter saw with all up-front bevel and miter controls was launched in 2003. The line continued to grow with the first 10-inch sliding compound dual-bevel and 12-inch dual bevel miter saws in 2004.

2003 - RotoZip sells to Bosch. Bosch relaunches the entire line of products with new tools, attachments, and packaging under RotoZip by Bosch.

2004 - The world's first Power Box™, all-in-one power center and jobsite radio/CD player with a 4-way GFCI power outlet, integrated Bosch battery charger, 12-volt outlet perfect for charging cell phones and two-way radio, AM/FM digital radio, and auxiliary jack for MP3 players was launched in 2004.

2004 - Direct Connect™, the world's first cord management system, debuted on the CS20 construction saw. receiving numerous awards for the innovation, Bosch also offered Direct Connect™ on the new RS20 reciprocating saw launched later in the year.

2004 - In direct response to the newly recognized health hazards related to vibration over-exposure on the job, Bosch developed an innovative anti-vibration handle system to reduce vibration by an astounding 60%. The system offers professionals uncompromising comfort in all grinding applications.

2006 – Bosch launched two of the world’s smallest, most powerful ultra-compact Lithium-ion tools, Litheon™ 10.8V Pocket Driver (PS20) and the Litheon ™ I-Driver (PS10). The Pocket Driver is 40% lighter and 33% more productive than other compact drill/drivers, yet small enough to fit into a tool belt pouch. The I-Driver, with a 90-degree articulating head, is the first professional cordless drill/driver to have a total head length of 3.5-inches. Both can drive 100 3-inch screws per charge. They are lightweight and powerful enough to accomplish a majority of professional drill/driving tasks all day without fatigue.

Engineering

Bosch engineering is driven by a desire to produce tools with low vibration, minimum noise level, precision, dust extraction/entrapment, simple and easy accessory changes and the best possible power-to-tool weight ratio.

Low vibration is manifested in the counter balance mechanism that has been the basis for the Bosch jig saw and the dual bearing pad mount system in a random orbit sander which can be operated with one finger on its soft grip top.

Bosch strives to develop tools that have dust ports, bags (cloth and paper), canisters, hoods and a complete dust extraction component system known as Airsweep™ with one objective: To ensure that your work environment is as clean as possible.

The Bosch Clic™ was the first system to allow for easy changing blades without the use of tools, and now all other jig saw brands have imitated this. Bosch SDS-plus® and SDS-max® systems for rotary and demolition hammers set the standard in this segment and the Power Change™ hole saw system continues this strong tradition.

Ergonomics

The study of ergonomic principles began in the early 1950s and Bosch is one of the first power tool manufacturers to employ ergonomic design in hand-held power tools.

Grip Area: Bosch designs handles and gripping surfaces to allow comfortable grip and weight distribution, multiple hand positions for better control, and to help dampen vibration.

Noise: Bosch designs motor cooling fans and air discharge outlets to minimize the sound waves produced, deflect the air away from the operator and create a pitch that is not offensive to the ear.

Controls Location: Many Bosch tools are equipped with switches and knobs located for right or left hand users and 360-degree handles for optimum positioning, while most controls are operable even with a gloved hand.