Milwaukee first introduced their M12 series of power tools in 2008, a truly new line up that outperforms many older 18V tools. Milwaukee soon introduced the M18 FUEL Brushless Tool. At the time, no other mainstream tool company had brought brushless power tools to market at an affordable price. Not long after, in 2012, Milwaukee Tool introduced the M12 FUEL brushless tool technology. This takes all the advantages of brushless motor technology and brings it to its compact M12 series of 12V tools. Compact tools seem to have changed forever.
Background and First to Market
Just as Milwaukee Tool was the first to bring the M18 FUEL brushless tool to market, the M12 Fuel series breaks new ground with the first affordable 12V brushless power tool line. Milwaukee introduces 2 Speed Screwdrivers, Drill/Drivers and Hammer Drill/Drivers. They also added an M12 Fuel 1/4" impact driver, 1/4" impact wrench, and 3/8" impact wrench.
Eventually, the M12 FUEL product line expanded to include new products such as the M12 FUEL Surge Hydraulic Impact Driver, the Milwaukee 2529-21XC Compact Band Saw, the M12 FUEL Hackzall, and professional trade tools like the 12V Milwaukee FORCE LOGIC Press Tool.
Powerstate Brushless Motors
Milwaukee Tool specifies brushless motors specifically matched to the desired tool application. For the M12 series, these motors are often beneficial in reducing weight and size while still providing enough power and runtime to get the job done. Below you can see two very different tools, both using the compact yet powerful M12 FUEL brushless motor:
The next generation Milwaukee M12 FUEL impact driver opts for compact power and speed. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw has enough power to cut 2x more material and plenty of run time.
red lithium battery
Smart tools with brushless motors on the Milwaukee M12 platform also use smart M12 batteries. Milwaukee Tool puts electronics in their power tools and M12 batteries. This allows the tool and battery to communicate, power and run time without damaging either.
On the M18 platform, an updated Milwaukee High Output battery pack brings the power output of a corded tool to a cordless tool. Due to the limited form factor, it's unlikely we'll see the new 21700 Li-ion battery on the M12 platform. Still, these 12V tools prioritize ergonomics and weight savings over pure power output and runtime. Milwaukee continues to innovate its line of M12 batteries by offering more capacity in the same form factor.
RedLink Plus Intelligence
Milwaukee RedLink Plus Intelligence describes the symbiotic relationship between the M12 hardware and software. It provides two-way communication between the tool and the battery. RedLink Plus also ensures battery chargers monitor heat and charge rates as you restore those batteries to their full potential. Constant monitoring of the tool battery network helps maintain performance while providing much-needed overload protection.
RedLink Plus also allows Milwaukee to further advance its M12 FUEL tool. You can drive screws and/or cut wood for longer because the system ensures they remain in safe operating conditions. This system prevents premature overheating and tool or battery failure.
While the M18 FUEL series tools provide corded tool power for many situations. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL series tools take a different approach. Taking care of your transactions plays an important role. Check out some M12 tools and how they speed up work that was previously done with more manual processes or larger tools:
- Milwaukee M12 FUEL Stubby Impact Wrench
- M12 Fuel Hackzall
- M12 FUEL 3" CUTTING TOOL
The advantages of brushless technology are obvious. The new Powerstate brushless motor lasts longer and wears less due to the nature of motor operation. It will also reduce the noise of the tool and allow the tool to cool down faster. Brushless is also virtually maintenance-free – something we love about cordless tools.
Brushless technology enables advanced performance while reducing size. New 12V brushless tools now take up less space and create a more ergonomic form factor than ever before. Milwaukee M12 FUEL technology gives companies the option to create smaller tools that still meet performance and power goals. Just look at how compact some of these 12V brushless tools are:
What's next?
Milwaukee Tool will only continue to expand their M12 lineup. Looking forward to more releases especially on the Milwaukee M12 FUEL platform. Recently, Milwaukee released their third generation M12 FUEL impact driver and drill. They also just released a new M12 RedLithium high output battery.
For more information, visit the Milwaukee website.