Posted by Power tools have had amazing developments over the last few years. Technological development worked like a charm in improving accuracy, efficiency, and cost saving. The construction industry is the major end-user of electric power tools and it has been demanding for far improved power tools. What’s more, the power tools used in 2010 are completely and ruthlessly outdated now as the power tool industry is continuously under improvement. Innovations in power tools have made them safer, sharper, faster, and most importantly, lighter.
According to Allied Market Research, the global electric power tools market is expected to reach $49.24 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2021 to 2030. Rise in adoption of electric power tools in the construction industry, growth in popularity of cordless power tools, and integration of brushless motors in electric power tools have boosted the market growth.
Over the years, power tools have witnessed a major transformation. For instance, people with nominal experience of working with power tools can use them safely and even a person with small-sized hands can effectively use power tools as they come in different sizes. Thus, people can choose from a variety of options according to their requirements, physical capabilities, and choices. Furthermore, the use of lithium batteries instead of alkaline has increased the battery life and made them lighter, cooler, rechargeable, and long-lasting compared to traditional power tools.
The use of brushless technology is now ubiquitous. Since the brushless technology helps in reducing heat and keeps the power tools cooler for a longer period and reduces the wear and tear, offering them a longer shelf life. The most exciting advancement in the electric power tool industry is the use of intelligent materials. Intelligent electric power tools such as multi-impact drills can adjust themselves according to the material they touch, allowing a user to use the same power tool on a variety of materials. It would not be a surprise that a company launches a power tool that immediately turns off if it encounters human flesh.
For years, gas and electric power tools have been the major competitors in the market. Now, electric power tools are undergoing digital transformation, integrating with revolutionary technology. From the IoT-enabled power tools to 3D printed prototypes, here are some of the leading trends in the electric power tool industry.
Here are some of the major trends in the electric power tool industry:
- Use of cordless power tools:
Only the workers can know the trouble of using powered power tools on a job. Since the start of the industry, users have been relentlessly demanding cordless power tools to get rid of the hassle of wires. They get in the way, create obstacles, and are a potential danger on a working site.
The shift from corded to cordless power tools is rather quick. While corded power tools remain a major part of the construction industry, cordless power tools are gaining momentum. The only challenge is the battery life. Cordless power tools become tiresome as users need to charge the battery in the middle of the job. But the situation is slowly changing. Companies now use lithium batteries to offer longer life on a single charge. Moreover, the battery-powered cordless power tools such as band saws, circular saws, impact wrenches, and hammer drills are ideal for today’s construction products as building sites have become more mobile.
- Integration of research and statistics
While the construction industry paints the picture of manual labor, it depends a lot on R&D and advanced technologies such as big data. These technologies have made their way into the electric power tools industry as the market itself is investing more into how to build better projects for commercial and residential purposes. From researching the land to which materials to use, the technology has been offering a better understanding of the job than ever. Furthermore, one of the latest R&D interests is in battery packs. Some studies suggest that 9.0Ah battery packs with lithium-ion batteries can offer five times better runtime than conventional lithium batteries. Such studies have more impact on the electric power tool industry.
- Use of CNC machining prototyping technology
This is the most exciting trend in the industry, which is commonly known as 3D printing or additive manufacturing. The material is added instead of taken away from the process as the material is printed, leading to less waste.
3D printing is the most sustainable option for prototyping new power tools. It offers more room for customization and product-specific changes and it leads to inexpensive prototyping. Creating custom-made power tools has never been easier. Developing such products and tools for specific woodworking projects or projects that undergo frequent changes offers limitless flexibility.
- Use of small electric power tools
It should not be a surprise that the people who use smart cars and smart homes demand smart power tools. Smart devices are taking over all aspects of our lives and now, we have power tools that connect to the internet of things (IoT).
Customers use IoT-enabled power tools to some extent already. The brushless motor has some programs to control the speed and torque of the motor, which makes them suitable for today’s time and age. While the smart electric power tools are still in their initial stage, they will be a standard sooner than we think.
This is the age where not only the construction industry but any people on the street is the target customer of electric power tools. The rise of DIY creators and builders has increased the demand for electric power tools to a new limit and thus, the tools are changing accordingly. With increasing demand and consumer base, the technology and innovation in the electric power tool are bound to increase.
Not only do such innovations make life easier but it makes it safer as well. Electric power tools are dangerous if not handled properly. However, they become smarter, and they will ensure the safety of the use. This is the age of digital transformation and it has hit the electric power tools industry and brought forward new tools for every kind of customer.