TechTalk: The new tabless batteries from Festool
The tabless technology in the new Festool TBX 4 and TBX 8 Battery packs enables an unprecedented level of power output with a longer runtime and all this with the same battery capacity. It would be great if the charging times were also significantly shorter, wouldn't it? This much in advance: they are significantly shorter. Our battery cell expert Philip Daubinger and carpenter Alexander Henzler from Holzbau Henzler talked to us about what else the new tabless technology can do. Of course, Alex also tested the new TBX 4 and TBX 8 tabless batteries on some machines - with astonishing results.
Philip, can you explain the technical difference between a normal Li-ion cell and a tabless cell from a developer's perspective?
Philip: Externally, both cell types look the same. They have the same size, shape and envelope. The difference lies inside. A modified structure inside the cell significantly reduces the internal resistance, which leads to less heat generation and higher efficiency.
How exactly does tabless technology work?
Philip: In a tabless cell, the electrode is designed in such a way that it is connected to the current collector along its entire length. The current no longer flows selectively over a few tabs, but over the entire surface of the electrode. This reduces the electrical resistance, improves heat distribution and enables higher currents with less stress on the cell.
What are the advantages for the user?
Philip: Of course, the most important benefits are those that our users experience on the construction site: more power for demanding applications such as drilling, sawing or grinding as well as better performance in cold and hot temperatures. There are also other advantages, such as a significantly longer runtime with the same capacity. The charging process is also considerably faster due to the lower internal resistance. On top of this, there is less heat development and therefore greater safety with a longer service life. So there is a whole lot of improvement.
"Externally, both cell types look the same - they have the same size, shape and envelope. The difference lies on the inside."
Philip Daubinger, battery cell expert at Festool
Does tabless technology have a positive effect on the service life of the battery?
Philip: Yes, definitely. The more even current distribution and lower heat generation protect the cells. This significantly extends the service life of the batteries.
Do the new tabless batteries weigh as much as conventional Festool batteries?
Philip: Yes, the tabless batteries have the same weight as conventional batteries.
Does Tabless deliver noticeable added value for all cordless tools? Or only for certain applications?
Philip: The added value is particularly noticeable in power-intensive applications, for example when drilling large diameters, sawing deep cuts or grinding under load. In less demanding applications, the difference is smaller, but still there. This is noticeable, among other things, through a longer running time and less heat build-up. When the battery is empty, it can be recharged more quickly as it has not heated up as much.
Do tabless batteries cost more than conventional batteries?
Philip: No, the tabless Battery packs will not cost more than their predecessors. We will pass on the technological advantage of the tabless Battery packs to our customers at no extra charge.
More power and more runtime. Sounds good - but what does that mean in concrete figures?
Philip: There are clearly noticeable differences in various applications. For example, the runtime for grinding is up to 43 per cent longer, which is enormous, and the charging time is 49 per cent shorter. When working with 10 x 300 mm screws, you can achieve up to 68 per cent more screw connections with one battery. And OSB boards with a thickness of 20 millimetres can be cut up to 31 per cent more metres.
"You can feel it from the very first second: it's got plenty of steam - but never too much. The power delivery remains harmonious as usual when you press the green accelerator pedal, and the power can still be precisely controlled."
Alexander Henzler, master carpenter and owner of Holzbau Henzler GmbH
Alex, you were able to test the new TBX 4 and TBX 8 tabless batteries with the reciprocating saw, Cordless circular saw and cordless screwdriver. What was your first impression? Which one is your favourite?
Alexander: Yes, and I have to say, it was a lot of fun! Although the differences between the two batteries are greater than I initially thought. This is not only due to the perceived power output, but also to how well they fit the different machine types. While the reciprocating saw and the Cordless circular saw and also the cordless planer work best with the large TBX 8, I preferred to have the smaller and more compact TBX 4 on the machine when screwdriving. Which also makes sense: the large battery provides the large amounts of power and capacity for the energy-intensive applications and the machine calls them up accordingly, while the smaller TBX4 is easily sufficient for less intensive applications and at the same time utilises its handling and weight advantage.
To have a comparison, you did the same steps with the "old" batteries beforehand. How was the experience?
Alexander: The difference was particularly noticeable when sawing, Planer and working with large screws and especially with the large reciprocating saw! You can get through the material very quickly with the Circular saw, even with thicker beams. The resistance when sawing is drastically reduced. Even though we "only" used the universal saw blade. The same applies to screwing: You can feel it from the very first second: there's real steam on it - but never too much. The power delivery remains harmonious as usual when you press the green accelerator pedal and can still be precisely controlled. But the power increases to a noticeably higher level and then remains constant. That really is an enormous added value for our applications!
Thank you both for taking the time to talk to us.
Further information about the new tabless batteries can be found at this link.
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