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.

HITACHI

History of Innovation

Since 1948 Hitachi Koki Company Ltd. has been an independent member of the broadly diverse Hitachi group. Hitachi Koki's relationship with its parent company brings important benefits to customers. These benefits include immediate access to the latest advancements in metallurgy, motor design and electronics - often long before these technologies appear in other manufacturers' product. An example of this benefit is the ultra-high speed motor developed by Hitachi for use in medical centrifuges. Hitachi Koki uses the same armature balancing technology in developing electric motors for its line of power tools.

In 1980 Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was created to market the line of tools in the United States. During the 80s, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. built its reputation for quality on the success of its pneumatic framing nailer and sliding compound miter saws.

Time and resources have always been dedicated to research and development of innovative and durable power tools. Such dedication to product development has led to a number of firsts and countless improvements in power tool technology. Hitachi pioneered the Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Cordless Impact Driver, Collated Automatic Screw Driver, Pneumatic Concrete Nailer, Cordless Screw Driver, Metal Stud Cutter, Portable Rebar Cutter/Bender, 10 minute rapid charger, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 Ah Ni-Cad batteries, 3.0 Ni-MH batteries, and the use of rare earth magnet motors in cordless tools. In addition, Hitachi is a world leader in metal casting technology, metallurgical science and plastics technology. This expertise, coupled with Hitachi Koki’s High Speed Motor Technology, Precision Processing and Electronic Control, allow Hitachi Koki to produce lighter, faster, and more durable power tools for the professional.

Black and Decker

Major Product Innovations

In the fall of 1910, Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker invested $1,200 in a dream of making specialized machinery. Their first shop was on Calvert Street in a Baltimore industrial district. Their product line, manufactured under contract for other companies, was diversified. It included a milk bottle cap machine, a lettergraph, a vest pocket adding machine, a postage stamp splitting and coiling machine, machinery for the U.S. Mint, a candy-dipping machine, a shock absorber, and a cotton picker.

• 1916 - The world's first portable 1/2" electric drill with pistol grip, trigger switch and universal motor was developed and marketed.


• 1923 - A number of other power tools featuring the unique pistol grip & trigger were developed during the 1920's, including the first all-sleeve-bearing power drill in 1923.


• 1936 - The first electric hammer developed with a special Black & Decker® patented design proved more effective and easier to handle.


• 1946 - A major market breakthrough was achieved when Black & Decker® introduced the world's first portable electric drill for consumers.


• 1953 - The first finishing sander and jigsaws for consumers were offered, expanding Black & Decker®'s prominence in the do-it-yourself market.


• 1957 - Black & Decker® began to move outdoors with the first electric lawn edgers and hedge trimmers for consumers.


• 1962 - The world's first cordless outdoor product, a hedge trimmer, was introduced.


• 1968 - Black & Decker® developed a unique power head for the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill to remove core samples from the moon.


• 1973 - The Workmate® combined workbench and vise was introduced.


• 1979 - The Dustbuster® hand-held cordless vacuum cleaner was marketed, creating an entirely new category of household appliances.


• 1985 - The Automatic Shut-Off Electric Iron set a new standard for iron performance.


• 1987 - The revolutionary Piranha® carbide-tooth circular saw blade signaled a major focus on power tool accessories.


• 1988 - The Univolt® Universal Voltage Charging System was the world's first global battery charger, capable of charging power tool battery packs ranging from 2.4 to 24 volts.


• 1989 - Kwikset® locks and Price Pfister® faucets were among the home improvement products added as a result of the acquisition of Emhart Corporation.


• 1994 - The VersaPak® Cordless Interchangeable Battery System that was able to power a wide range of tools for the workshop, garden and home. The SnakeLight®, Flexible torch.


• 1997 - The 3-in-1™ Sander combining the benefits of a detail, finish and random orbit sander in one tool.


• 1998 - Further introductions to multi functional tools with VersaPak® battery-powered Quattro 7.2v 4-in-1 combination tool and the Mouse® Sander/Polisher.


• 2000 - The Scorpion® Handsaw/Jigsaw, continued the Expansion of multi functional products. For the garden the revolutionary 4x4® lawnmower was launched with 360 swivel wheels.


• 2001: The consumer power tool product range changes colour from Jade to Orange reflecting modern industrial designs.


• 2003: The GEL TECH ™ range: 12 Volt cordless drill, Scorpion saw, ¼ sheet sanders and Sandstorm ® multi-sander, maximizing user comfort through cushioning through gel cushioning on hands. The ‘extended reach’ Hedge Trimmer range with a two position, long reach handle. Scumbuster ™, a cordless scrubber with 11 different cleaning accessories. Introduction of LASERS and detectors designed to help with accurate leveling and save time with DIY projects in the home. We are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of Black & Decker® Workmate!


• 2004: CLICK & GO ™ Cylinder vacuums, the Cyclonic Action Dustbuster ® and also the re-launch of whole Dustbuster ® range on its 25th anniversary. Black & Decker® Piranha launches Bullet Plus and HiTech SDS+ masonry & hammer drill bits.